Colorant-containing curable composition, color filter and manufacturing method thereof

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a colorant-containing curable composition including a colorant and a solvent, wherein the colorant includes a compound represented by Formula (I) and/or a tautomer thereof, and the solvent includes at least one selected from the group consisting of cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, propyleneglycol methyl ether, propyleneglycol methyl ether acetate, a lactate ester, and diacetone alcohol. The invention further provides a color filter manufactured by using the colorant-containing composition and a manufacturing method of the color filter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No.2005-246178, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a colorant-containing curable composition that is suitable for forming a color filter for use with a liquid crystal display device, a solid-state image pickup element and the like, a color filter containing the colorant, and a method for manufacturing the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the field of dyes the development of compounds which have high color fastness, with both light resistance and heat resistance, have been desired, and earnest investigations have been undertaken. Particularly desired has been the development of compounds that show both light resistance and heat resistance in the field of dyes that are soluble in solvents or water.

As superior dyes which exhibit both light and heat resistance, phthalocyanine compounds and Cr complexes of azo dyes are known. However, phthalocyanine compounds cannot be used for yellow or magenta dyes, since they are inappropriate for the purpose of visible absorption at 400 to 500 nm. Also, since phthalocyanine compounds show high light resistance due to their molecular association, when dissolved in water or solvents they show storage stability problems such as precipitating out.

Cr complexes of azo dyes have been shown to be damaging to people, living bodies and the environment, since they contain Cr atoms, and so amelioration thereof is highly desired. On the other hand, azo dyes have high color values, and are dyes that are useful for obtaining a variety of absorption wavelengths. However, non metallic-complex type compounds which demonstrate, at the same time, both satisfactory high light resistance and heat resistance have not yet been seen.

Among these, known azo dyes which are comparatively lightfast are compounds with a coupling component of γ acid (such as for example Acid Red 57) and, compounds which use pyrazolone (such as Acid Yellow 29). However, azo dyes that are able to obtain, at the same time, both satisfactory light resistance and heat resistance have not yet been seen (for example refer to Polish Patent Invention No. 101484, West German Patent No. 2714204, French Patent Invention No. 2303839 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 58-152240).

Also, there is the problem that the heat resistance and light resistance of these dyes can be dramatically reduced depending on the conditions of use. For example, according to the following factors the heat resistance, the light resistance, or both is sometimes reduced: the type of fibers dyed; the presence of other coloring compounds, photopolymerization initiators, polymerizable compounds, acidifiers/reduction agents and the like; whether is it in an environment where ozone can develop; or an environment where singlet oxygen can develop.

Further, since a reduction is common of the solubility in water or solvent of dyes that demonstrate high light resistance and heat resistance, there are many problems with the widespread use of these pigments in industry.

In recent years, for applications such as solid image pickup elements, higher precision of the color filter has been demanded. However, it is difficult to further improve the resolution with the conventional pigment dispersion system. In addition, there are problems, such as irregular color being caused by coarse particles of the pigment. Therefore, the above-mentioned pigment dispersion method has not been suited for applications such as solid image pickup elements where extremely fine patterns are required.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, examples where a solvent or water soluble dye is used have been conventionally known (see, for example, JP-A No. 2002-278056).

However, the dye-containing curable composition has the following problems (1) to (4).

(1) Generally, coloring matter has a low solubility in either alkali water solutions or organic solvents, thus it is difficult to obtain a liquid curable composition having the desired spectrum.

(2) Dyes often interact with other components in the curable composition, thus it is difficult to adjust the solubility of the curing part and the non-curing part (developability).

(3) When the dye has a low molar absorption coefficient (ε), the dye must be added in a large quantity, thus it is inevitable that the amounts of the other components in the curable composition, such as the polymerizable compound (monomer), the binder, and the photopolymerization initiator, must be reduced. This presents such problems as the lowering of the curability of the composition, the heat resistance after curing, and the developability of the (non-)curing part.

(4) Dyes are generally inferior in light resistance and heat resistance, as compared to pigments.

In addition, especially for the application for manufacturing of a color filter for a solid image pickup element, it is required that the film thickness be 1.5 μm or less, unlike in semiconductor manufacturing applications. Therefore, the coloring matter must be added to the curable composition in a large quantity, which presents the same problems as mentioned above.

Also, the use of pyridone azo dyes in curable compositions has been published in the past, but these known pyridone azo dyes have the problem of being low in both heat resistance and solvent solubility (see, for example, JP-A No. 2002-14221).

Because of the above-mentioned problems, it has been difficult in practice to meet the requirements for performance for use in extremely fine, thin-film colored patterns for high-precision color filters.

Therefore, development of a dye and curable composition which can eliminate the above-mentioned problems has been desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and provides a colorant-containing curable composition, a color filter, and a method for manufacturing the color filter.

A first aspect of the invention provides a colorant-containing curable composition comprising a colorant and a solvent, wherein the colorant comprises a compound represented by Formula (I) and/or a tautomer thereof, and the solvent comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, propyleneglycol methyl ether, propyleneglycol methyl ether acetate, a lactate ester, and diacetone alcohol.

In Formula (I): R¹, R³ and R⁴ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 21 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 21 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, or a substituent having a hetero atom; at least one of R¹, R³ and R⁴ represents a substituent having a hetero atom; R³ and R⁴ may be formed into a heterocycle together with a jointly bonded nitrogen atom; and R² represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a methoxymethyl group, or a trifluoromethyl group.

A second aspect of the invention provides a color filter manufactured by using the colorant-containing curable composition of the first aspect of the invention.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method for manufacturing a color filter comprising: coating the colorant-containing curable composition of the first aspect of the invention onto a support to form a layer; exposing the layer through a mask; and developing the layer so as to form a pattern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention, the color filter and the manufacturing method thereof will be described in detail. Colorant-containing Curable Composition The colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention includes a colorant and a solvent, wherein the colorant includes a compound represented by the following Formula (I) and/or a tautomer thereof (which, hereinafter sometimes referred to as “the pyridone azo compound of the present invention”), and the solvent includes at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, propyleneglycol methyl ether, propyleneglycol methyl ether acetate, a lactate ester, and diacetone alcohol (which, hereinafter sometimes referred to as “the solvent of the present invention”). The colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention may further include other components as necessary.

By containing a specific solvent (namely, the solvent of the present invention) together with, as a colorant, a compound which is represented by Formula (I) or a tautomer thereof (namely, the pyridone azo compound of the present invention), the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention is capable of showing excellent performance in solubility of colorant in the solvents, and stability over time during storage after dissolution. Further, a developability of unexposed areas and a percentage of film remaining for exposed areas can be improved, thus a good pattern formability can be provided. The colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention is also capable of showing excellent heat resistance, light resistance, molar absorption coefficient and color value. In addition, because the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention has improved color value, the amount of addition of the dye can be reduced. Further, when the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention contains dye at a high concentration, deposition or precipitation can be suppressed, thereby providing excellent stability over time. Further, the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention provides high productivity, because there is no concern over degradation of the various above-mentioned performances of the resist in the manufacturing process.

PYRIDONE AZO COMPOUND OF THE INVENTION

The pyridone azo compounds of the invention are coloring compounds as shown in the Formula (I) below. They, unlike known azo compounds, exhibit high light resistance (light fastness) together with heat resistance, and when necessary are freely dissolvable in water or organic solvents.

In Formula (I), R¹, R³ and R⁴ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 21 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 21 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, or “a substituent having a hetero atom”; at least one of R¹, R³ and R⁴ represents a substituent having a hetero atom; R³ and R⁴ may be formed into a heterocycle together with a jointly bonded nitrogen atom; and R² represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a methoxymethyl group, or a trifluoromethyl group.

Typical examples of the pyridone azo compound represented by Formula (I) include: (1) a pyridone azo compound in which R¹ represents a substituent having a hetero atom, and R³ and R⁴ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 21 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 21 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms; and (2) a pyridone azo compound in which at least one of R³ and R⁴ represents a substituent having a hetero atom, and R¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 21 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 21 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.

The substituent that is represented by R¹ and has a hetero atom is not particularly limited as long as it is derived from an amine having a hetero atom such as a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom, or an oxygen atom, which can be used for synthesizing a pyridone ring. R¹ may be substituted or non-substituted.

The substituent that is represented by R¹ and has a hetero atom, is preferably a substituent having about 3 to 50 atoms, more preferably a substituent having about 3 to 40 atoms, and further a substituent having about 3 to 30 atoms in view of a color value. The substituent that is represented by R¹ and has a hetero atom is particularly preferably a substituent having a hetero atom of at least one selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom, and an oxygen atom, and has about 3 to 30 atoms.

The substituent that is represented by R¹ and has a hetero atom can be introduced into the pyridone azo compound represented by Formula (I) by a ring-closure reaction of an amide compound, which is obtained by a reaction of a cyanoacetic acid ester and a primary amine. Accordingly, examples of the substituent that is represented by R¹ and has a hetero atom include groups which are derived from primary amines having hetero atoms which are described in “Aldorich Structure Index”.

Specific examples of the substituent represented by R¹ and has a hetero atom include a 2-methoxyehyl group, 3-methoxypropyl group, 3-ethoxypropyl group, 3-buthoxypropyl group, 2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl group, tetrahydrofarfuryl group, hydroxyethyl group, hydroxypropyl group, 4-hydroxybutyl group, 2-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl group, hydroxyethoxyethyl group, 3-N-morpholinopropyl group, 2-N-morpholinoethyl group, 3-N-pyrrolidinonylpropyl group, 2-dimethylaminoethyl group, 3-dimethylaminopropyl group, 3-diethylaminopropyl group, 2-N-pyrrolidinylethyl group, 2-(N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl group, 2-N-piperidinylethyl group, 3-(2-methyl-N-piperidinyl)propyl group, 3-isopropoxypropyl group and the like.

Among these, more preferable examples of the substituent that is represented by R¹ and has a hetero atom include a 3-methoxypropyl group, 3-ethoxypropyl group, 2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl group, tetrahydrofurfuryl group, hydroxyethyl group, hydroxypropyl group, 4-hydroxybutyl group, 2-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl group, hydroxyethoxyethyl group, 3-N-morpholinopropyl group, 2-N-morpholinoethyl group, 3-N-pyrrolidinonylpropyl group, 2-dimethylaminoethyl group, 3-dimethylaminopropyl group, 3-diethylaminopropyl group, 2-N-pyrrolidinylethyl group, 2-(N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl group, 2-N-piperidinylethyl group, 3-(2-methyl-N-piperidinyl)propyl group, 3-isopropoxypropyl group and the like.

Among these, further preferable examples of the substituent that is represented by R¹ and has a hetero atom include a 3-methoxypropyl group, 2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl group, tetrahydrofurfuryl group, hydroxyethyl group, hydroxypropyl group, 4-hydroxybutyl group, hydroxyethoxyethyl group, 3-N-morpholinopropyl group, 2-N-morpholinoethyl group, 3-N-pyrrolidinonylpropyl group, 3-dimethylaminopropyl group, 3-diethylaminopropyl group, 2-(N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl group, 2-N-piperidinylethyl group, 3-(2-methyl-N-piperidinyl)propyl group, 3-isopropoxypropyl group and the like.

Among these, particularly preferable examples of the substituent that is represented by R¹ and has a hetero atom include a 3-methoxypropyl group, tetrahydrofurfuryl group, hydroxypropyl group, 4-hydroxybutyl group, hydroxyethoxyethyl group, 3-N-morpholinopropyl group, 2-N-morpholinoethyl group, 3-N-pyrrolidinonylpropyl group, 3-dimethylaminopropyl group, 2-(N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl group, 2-N-piperidinylethyl group, 3-(2-methyl-N-piperidinyl)propyl group, 3-isopropoxypropyl group and the like.

When at least one of R³ and R⁴ represents a substituent having a hetero atom, the substituent is not particularly limited as long as it is derived from an amine having a hetero atom such as a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom, or an oxygen atom, which can be used for synthesizing a corresponding sulfonamide. R³ and R⁴ may be non-substituted or further has a substituent.

The substituent that is represented by R³ and/or R⁴ and has a hetero atom is preferably a substituent having about 3 to 50 atoms, more preferably a substituent having about 3 to 40 atoms, and further a substituent having about 3 to 30 atoms in view of a color value. The substituent that is represented by R³ and/or R⁴ and has a hetero atom is particularly preferably a substituent having a hetero atom of at least one selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom, and an oxygen atom, and has about 3 to 30 atoms.

The substituent that is represented by R³ and/or R⁴ and has a hetero atom can be introduced into the pyridone azo compound represented by Formula (I) by a ring-closure reaction of a nitrobenzene sulfonylchloride and one of a primary amine and a secondary amine. Examples of the substituent that is represented by R³ and/or R⁴ and has a hetero atom include groups which are derived from primary amines or secondary amines having hetero atoms which are described in “Aldorich Structure Index” and derivatives thereof.

Specific examples of the substituent that is represented by R³ and/or R⁴ and has a hetero atom include a 2-methoxyehyl group, 3-methoxypropyl group, 3-ethoxypropyl group, 3-buthoxypropyl group, 2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl group, tetrahydrofurfuryl group, 2-hydroxyethyl group, 2-hydroxypropyl group, 4-hydroxybutyl group, 2-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl group, hydroxyethoxyethyl group, 3-N-morpholinopropyl group, 2-N-morpholinoethyl group, 3-N-pyrrolidinonylpropyl group, 2-dimethylaminoethyl group, 3-dimethylaminopropyl group, 3-diethylaminopropyl group, 2-N-pyrrolidinylethyl group, 2-(N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl group, 2-N-piperidinylethyl group, 3-(2-methyl-N-piperidinyl)propyl group, 3-isopropoxypropyl group, diethylaminoethyl group, 2,2-dimethoxyethyl group, 1,3-dioxolane-2-yl-methyl group, 3-hydroxypropyl group, 2-mercaptoethyl group, and the like.

Among these, more preferable examples of the substituent that is represented by R³ and/or R⁴ and has a hetero atom include a 3-methoxypropyl group, 3-ethoxypropyl group, 2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl group, tetrahydrofurfuryl group, 2-hydroxyethyl group, 2-hydroxypropyl group, 4-hydroxybutyl group, 2-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl group, hydroxyethoxyethyl group, 3-N-morpholinopropyl group, 2-N-morpholinoethyl group, 3-N-pyrrolidinonylpropyl group, 2-dimethylaminoethyl group, 3-dimethylaminopropyl group, 3-diethylaminopropyl group, 2-N-pyrrolidinylethyl group, 2-(N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl group, 2-N-piperidinylethyl group, 3-(2-methyl-N-piperidinyl)propyl group, 3-isopropoxypropyl group, diethylaminoethyl group, 2,2-dimethoxyethyl group, 1,3-dioxolane-2-yl-methyl group, 3-hydroxypropyl group, 2-mercaptoethyl group, and the like.

Among these, further preferable examples of the substituent that is represented by R³ and/or R⁴ and has a hetero atom include a 3-methoxypropyl group, 2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl group, tetrahydrofurfuryl group, 2-hydroxyethyl group, 2-hydroxypropyl group, 4-hydroxybutyl group, hydroxyethoxyethyl group, 3-N-morpholinopropyl group, 2-N-morpholinoethyl group, 3-N-pyrrolidinonylpropyl group, 3-dimethylaminopropyl group, 3-diethylaminopropyl group, 2-(N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl group, 2-N-piperidinylethyl group, 3-(2-methyl-N-piperidinyl)propyl group, 3-isopropoxypropyl group, diethylaminoethyl group, 2,2-dimethoxyethyl group, 1,3-dioxolane-2-yl-methyl group, 3-hydroxypropyl group, 2-mercaptoethyl group, and the like.

Among these, particularly preferable examples of the substituent that is represented by R³ and/or R⁴ and has a hetero atom include a 3-methoxypropyl group, tetrahydrofurfuryl group, 2-hydroxypropyl group, 4-hydroxybutyl group, hydroxyethoxyethyl group, 3-N-morpholinopropyl group, 2-N-morpholinoethyl group, 3-N-pyrrolidinonylpropyl group, 3-dimethylaminopropyl group, 2-(N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl group, 2-N-piperidinylethyl group, 3-(2-methyl-N-piperidinyl)propyl group, 3-isopropoxypropyl group, diethylaminoethyl group, 2,2-dimethoxyethyl group, 1,3-dioxolane-2-yl-methyl group, 3-hydroxypropyl group, 2-mercaptoethyl group, and the like.

When at least one of R¹, R³ and R⁴ does not have a hetero atom, each of the at least one of R¹, R³ and R⁴ which does not have a hetero atom independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 21 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 21 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms. R³ and R⁴ may be formed into a heterocycle together with a jointly bonded nitrogen atom. R¹, R³ and/or R⁴ may further have a substituent.

In Formula (I), the alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms that is represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴ may be substituted or non-substituted. The alkyl group preferably is an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and more preferably is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

The alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms may be a straight-chain or branched group, or otherwise a cyclic alkyl group. Preferable examples of the alkyl group include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an n-butyl group, an n-amyl group, an n-hexyl group, an n-heptyl group, an n-octyl group, an n-nonyl group, an n-decyl group, an n-undecyl group, an n-dodecyl group, an n-tridecyl group, an n-tetradecyl group, an n-pentadecyl group, an n-hexadecyl group, an n-heptadecyl group, an n-octadecyl group, an n-nonadecyl group, an n-eicosanyl group, an i-propyl group, a sec-butyl group, an i-butyl group, a t-butyl group, a 1-methylbutyl group, a 1-ethylpropyl group, a 2-methylbutyl group, an i-amyl group, a neopentyl group, a 1,2-dimethylpropyl group, a 1,1-dimethylpropyl group, a t-amyl group, a 1,3-dimethylbutyl group, a 3,3-dimethylbutyl group,

a 2-ethylbutyl group, a 2-ethyl-2-methylpropyl group, a straight-chain or branched heptyl group, a 1-methylheptyl group, a 2-ethylhexyl group, a 1,5-dimethylhexyl group, a t-octyl group, a branched nonyl group, a branched decyl group, a branched undecyl group, a branched dodecyl group, a branched tridecyl group, a branched tetradecyl group, a branched pentadecyl group, a branched hexadecyl group, a branched heptadecyl group, a branched octadecyl group, a straight-chain or branched nonadecyl group, a straight-chain or branched eicosanyl group, a cyclopropyl group, a cyclopropylmethyl group, a cyclobutyl group, a cyclobutylmethyl group, a cyclopentyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a cyclohexylmethyl group, a cycloheptyl group, a cyclooctyl group, a cyclohexylpropyl group, a cyclododecyl group, a norbornyl group, a bornyl group, a cys-myrtanyl group, an isopinocamphenyl group, a noradamantyl group, an adamantyl group, an adamantylmethyl group, a 1-(1-adamantyl)ethyl group, a 3,5-dimethyladamantyl group, a quinuclidinyl group, a cyclopentylethyl group, and a bicyclooctyl group.

Among these, the methyl group, the ethyl group, the n-propyl group, the n-butyl group, the n-amyl group, the n-hexyl group, the n-heptyl group, the n-octyl group, the n-nonyl group, the n-decyl group, the n-undecyl group, the n-dodecyl group, the n-tridecyl group, the n-tetradecyl group, the i-propyl group, the sec-butyl group, the i-butyl group, the t-butyl group, the 1-methylbutyl group, the 1-ethylpropyl group, the 2-methylbutyl group, the i-amyl group, the neopentyl group, the 1,2-dimethylpropyl group, the 1,1-dimethylpropyl group, the t-amyl group, the 1,3-dimethylbutyl group, the 3,3-dimethylbutyl group, the 2-ethylbutyl group, the 2-ethyl-2-methylpropyl group, the straight-chain or branched heptyl group, the 1-methylheptyl group, the 2-ethylhexyl group, the 1,5-dimethylhexyl group, the t-octyl group, the branched nonyl group, the branched decyl group, the branched undecyl group, the branched dodecyl group, the branched tridecyl group, the branched tetradecyl group, the cyclopropyl group, the cyclopropylmethyl group, the cyclobutyl group, the cyclobutylmethyl group, the cyclopentyl group, the cyclohexyl group, the cyclohexylmethyl group, the cycloheptyl group, the cyclooctyl group, the cyclohexylpropyl group, the cyclododecyl group, the norbornyl group, the bornyl group, the cys-myrtanyl group, the isopinocamphenyl group, the noradamantyl group, the adamantyl group, the adamantylmethyl group, the 1-(1-adamantyl)ethyl group, the 3,5-dimethyladamantyl group, the quinuclidinyl group, the cyclopentylethyl group, and the bicyclooctyl group are more preferable as the alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms that is represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴.

Further, among these, the methyl group, the ethyl group, the n-propyl group, the n-butyl group, the n-amyl group, the n-hexyl group, the n-heptyl group, the n-octyl group, the n-nonyl group, the n-decyl group, the i-propyl group, the sec-butyl group, the i-butyl group, the t-butyl group, the 1-methylbutyl group, the 1-ethylpropyl group, the 2-methylbutyl group, the i-amyl group, the neopentyl group, the 1,2-dimethylpropyl group, the 1,1-dimethylpropyl group, the t-amyl group, the 1,3-dimethylbutyl group, the 3,3-dimethylbutyl group, the 2-ethylbutyl group, the 2-ethyl-2-methylpropyl group, the straight-chain or branched heptyl group, the 1-methylheptyl group, the 2-ethylhexyl group, the 1,5-dimethylhexyl group, the t-octyl group, the branched nonyl group, the branched decyl group, the cyclopropyl group, the cyclopropylmethyl group, the cyclobutyl group, the cyclobutylmethyl group, the cyclopentyl group, the cyclohexyl group, the cyclohexylmethyl group, the cycloheptyl group, the cyclooctyl group, the cyclohexylpropyl group, the cyclododecyl group, the norbornyl group, the bornyl group, the noradamantyl group, the adamantyl group, the adamantylmethyl group, the 1-(1-adamantyl)ethyl group, the 3,5-dimethyladamantyl group, the cyclopentylethyl group, and the bicyclooctyl group are particularly preferable as the alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms that is represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴.

Among the above-mentioned alkyl groups, in view of improvement in heat resistance, the ethyl group, the n-propyl group, the n-butyl group, the n-amyl group, the n-hexyl group, the n-heptyl group, the n-octyl group, the n-nonyl group, the n-decyl group, the i-propyl group, the sec-butyl group, the i-butyl group, the t-butyl group, the 1-methylbutyl group, the 1-ethylpropyl group, the 2-methylbutyl group, the i-amyl group, the neopentyl group, the 1,2-dimethylpropyl group, the 1,1-dimethylpropyl group, the t-amyl group, the 1,3-dimethylbutyl group, the 3,3-dimethylbutyl group, the 2-ethylbutyl group, the 2-ethyl-2-methylpropyl group, the branched heptyl group, the 1-methylheptyl group, the 2-ethylhexyl group, the 1,5-dimethylhexyl group, the t-octyl group, the branched nonyl group, the branched decyl group, the cyclopropyl group, the cyclopropylmethyl group, the cyclobutyl group, the cyclobutylmethyl group, the cyclopentyl group, the cyclohexyl group, the cyclohexylmethyl group, the cycloheptyl group, the cyclooctyl group, the cyclohexylpropyl group, the cyclododecyl group, the norbornyl group, the bornyl group, the noradamantyl group, the adamantyl group, the adamantylmethyl group, the 1-(1-adamantyl)ethyl group, the 3,5-dimethyladamantyl group, the cyclopentylethyl group, and other branched alkyl groups and cyclic alkyl groups are particularly preferable as the alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms that is represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴.

As the alkyl group represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴ in Formula (I), an alkyl group which is specifically substituted by fluorine may be used. Specific preferable examples of the alkyl group include a trifluoromethyl group, a trifluoroethyl group, a pentafluoroethyl group, a heptafluoropropyl group, a nonafluorobutyl group, a tridecafluorohexyl group, a pentadecafluoroheptyl group, a heptadecafluorooctyl group, a tridecafluorooctyl group, a nonadecafluorononyl group, a heptadecafluorodecyl group, and a perfluorodecyl group are preferable; among these, the trifluoromethyl group, the pentafluoroethyl group, the heptafluoropropyl group, the nonafluorobutyl group, the tridecafluorohexyl group, and the pentadecafluoroheptyl group are more preferable; and the trifluoromethyl group, the pentafluoroethyl group, the heptafluoropropyl group, the nonafluorobutyl group, and the tridecafluorohexyl group are particularly preferable.

In Formula (I), the alkenyl group that has 2 to 21 carbon atoms and that is represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴ may be substituted or non-substituted. The alkenyl group is preferably an alkenyl group having 2 to 15 carbon atoms, and more preferably an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms

Preferable examples of the alkenyl group having 2 to 21 carbon atoms and that is represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴ include a vinyl group, an isopropenyl group, a 2-propenyl group, a 2-methyl-propenyl group, a 1-methyl-1-propenyl group, a 1-butenyl group, a 3-butenyl group, a 1-methyl-1-butenyl group, a 1,1-dimethyl-3-butenyl group, a 1-pentenyl group, a 2-pentenyl group, a 1-ethyl-1-pentenyl group, a 1-hexenyl group, a 1-heptenyl group, a 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenyl group, a 9-decenyl group, a 1-cyclopentenyl group, a 2-cyclopentenylmethyl group, a cyclohexenyl group, a 1-methyl-2-cyclohexenyl group, a 1,4-dihydro-2-methylphenyl group, an octenyl group, a citroneryl group, an oleyl group, a gelanyl group, a farnecyl group, and a 2-(1-cyclohexenyl)ethyl group.

Among these, the vinyl group, the isopropenyl group, the 2-propenyl group, the 2-methyl-propenyl group, the 1-methyl-1-propenyl group, the 1-butenyl group, the 3-butenyl group, the 1-methyl-1-butenyl group, the 1,1-dimethyl-3-butenyl group, the 1-pentenyl group, the 2-pentenyl group, the 1-ethyl-1-pentenyl group, the 1-hexenyl group, the 1-heptenyl group, the 1-cyclopentenyl group, the 2-cyclopentenylmethyl group, the cyclohexenyl group, the 1-methyl-2-cyclohexenyl group, and the 1,4-dihydro-2-methylphenyl group are more preferable, and further, the vinyl group, the isopropenyl group, the 2-propenyl group, the 2-methyl-propenyl group, the 1-methyl-1-propenyl group, the 1-butenyl group, the 3-butenyl group, the 1-methyl-1-butenyl group, the 1,1-dimethyl-3-butenyl group, the 1-pentenyl group, the 2-pentenyl group, the 1-ethyl-1-pentenyl group, the 1-hexenyl group, the 1-cyclopentenyl group, the 2-cyclopentenylmethyl group, the cyclohexenyl group, the 1-methyl-2-cyclohexenyl group, and the 1,4-dihydro-2-methylphenyl group are particularly preferable as the alkenyl group that has 2 to 21 carbon atoms and that is represented by R¹, R³or R⁴.

The aryl group that has 6 to 21 carbon atoms and that is represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴ may be substituted or non-substituted. The aryl group is preferably an aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms, and more preferably an aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms.

Preferable examples of the aryl group that has 6 to 21 carbon atoms and that is represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴ include a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, biphenylenyl group, an acenaphtenyl group, a fluolenyl group, an anthracenyl group, an anthraquinonyl group, a pirenyl group, and the like; among these, the phenyl group, the naphthyl group, the biphenylenyl group, the acenaphtenyl group, the fluolenyl group, the anthracenyl group, and the like are more preferable; and further, the phenyl group, the naphthyl group, the biphenylenyl group, the fluolenyl group, and the like are particularly preferable.

The aralkyl group that has 7 to 21 carbon atoms and that is represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴ may be substituted or non-substituted. The aralkyl group is preferably an aralkyl group having 7 to 15 carbon atoms, and more preferably an aralkyl group having 7 to 10 carbon atoms.

Preferable examples of the aralkyl group that has 7 to 21 carbon atoms and that is represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴ include a benzyl group, a diphenylmethyl group, a 1,2-diphenylethyl group, a phenyl-cyclopentylmethyl group, an α-methylbenzyl group, a phenylethyl group, an α-methyl-phenylethyl group, a β-methyl-phenylethyl group, a 3-phenylpropyl group, a 3,3-diphenylpropyl group, a 4-phenylbutyl group, a naphthylmethyl group, a stylyl group, a cynamyl group, a fluolenyl group, a 1-benzocyclobutenyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl group, an indanyl group, a pyperonyl group, and a pyrenemethyl group.

Among these, the benzyl group, the phenyl-cyclopentylmethyl group, an α-methylbenzyl group, the phenylethyl group, an α-methyl-phenylethyl group, the β-methyl-phenylethyl group, the 3-phenylpropyl group, the 4-phenylbutyl group, the stylyl group, the cynamyl group, the fluolenyl group, the 1-benzocyclobutenyl group, and the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl group are more preferable; and further, the benzyl group, an α-methylbenzyl group, the phenylethyl group, an α-methyl-phenylethyl group, the β-methyl-phenylethyl group, the 3-phenylpropyl group, the stylyl group, the cynamyl group, the fluolenyl group, the 1-benzocyclobutenyl group, and the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl group are particularly preferable as the aralkyl group that has 7 to 21 carbon atoms and that is represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴.

The group that is represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴ may have an ether group. Preferable examples of the group that is represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴ further include a tetrahydrofurfuryl group and a 2,5-dihydro-2,5-dimethoxyfurfuryl group.

As is described above, R³ and R⁴ may form a hererocycle together with a jointly bonded nitrogen atom. Preferable examples of the heterocycle include a 2-methylaziridine ring, an azetizine ring, a pyrrolidine ring, a 3-pyrroline ring, a piperridine ring, a 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridine ring, a hexamethyleneimine ring, a piperadine ring, a 1,3,3-trimethyl-6-azabicyclo[3,2,1]octane ring, a decahydroquinoline ring, an oxazolidine ring, a morpholine ring, a thiazolidine ring, a thiomorpholine ring, an indoline ring, an isoindoline ring, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazole ring, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline ring, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline ring, an iminodibenzyl ring, a phenoxadine ring, a phenothiadine ring, a phenadine ring, and the like.

Among them, the pyrrolidine ring, the 3-pyrroline ring, the piperridine ring, the 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridine ring, the hexamethyleneimine ring, the piperadine ring, the decahydroquinoline ring, an oxazolidine ring, the morpholine ring, the thiazolidine ring, the thiomorpholine ring, and the like are more preferable; and further, the pyrrolidine ring, the 3-pyrroline ring, the piperridine ring, the 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridine ring, the piperadine ring, the decahydroquinoline ring, an oxazolidine ring, the morpholine ring, the thiazolidine ring, the thiomorpholine ring, and the like are particularly preferable as the hererocycle formed by R³ and R⁴ together with a jointly bonded nitrogen atom.

When the group represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴ or the heterocycle which is formed by R³ and R⁴ together with a jointly bonded nitrogen atom further has a substituent, preferable examples of the substituent which R¹, R³, R⁴ or the heterocycle formed by R³ and R⁴ may have include an acyl group, an acylamino group, an acylaminocarbonylamino group, an aralkylaminocarbonylamino group, an arylaminocarbonylamino group, a methacryloylaminocarbonylamino group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a trifluoromethyl group, a fluoro group, a chloro group, a bromo group, an iodo group, a hydroxy group, a nitro group, a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an i-propyl group, an n-butyl group, an i-butyl group, a sec-butyl group, a t-butyl group, a pentyl group, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, an octyl group, a vinyl group, a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, a buthoxy group, an isopropoxy group, a t-buthoxy group, a cyclohexyloxy group, a vinyloxy group, a methylthio group, an ethylthio group, a pirrolidinyl group, a piperidinyl group, a piperadinyl group, an amino group, a dimethylamino group, a diethylamino group, a phenyl group, a —SO₃M group, a —COOM group (in which M represents a hydrogen atom or a cation consisting of a metallic atom or a nitrogen-containing compound), and the like.

Among these, the acyl group (specifically an acetyl group), the acylamino group, the acylaminocarbonyl group, the alkokycarbonyl group, the trifluoromethyl group, the fluoro group, the chloro group, the bromo group, the hydroxy group, the nitro group, the methyl group, the ethyl group, the n-propyl group, the i-propyl group, the n-butyl group, the i-butyl group, the sec-butyl group, the t-butyl group, the pentyl group, the hexyl group, the vinyl group, the methoxy group, the ethoxy group, the buthoxy group, the isopropoxy group, the t-buthoxy group, the cyclohexyloxy group, the vinyloxy group, the methylthio group, the ethylthio group, the pirrolidinyl group, the piperidinyl group, the piperadinyl group, the amino group, the dimethylamino group, the diethylamino group, the phenyl group, a —SO₃M group, a —COOM group (in which M represents a hydrogen atom or a cation consisting of a metallic atom or a nitrogen-containing compound), and the like are more preferable; and further the acyl group (specifically an acetyl group), the acylamino group, the acylaminocarbonyl group, the alkokycarbonyl group, the trifluoromethyl group, the fluoro group, the chloro group, the bromo group, the hydroxy group, the nitro group, the methyl group, the ethyl group, the n-propyl group, the i-propyl group, the n-butyl group, the i-butyl group, the t-butyl group, the hexyl group, the vinyl group, the methoxy group, the ethoxy group, the isopropoxy group, the cyclohexyloxy group, the vinyloxy group, the methylthio group, the ethylthio group, the pirrolidinyl group, the piperidinyl group, the amino group, the dimethylamino group, the diethylamino group, the phenyl group, a —SO₃M group, a —COOM group (in which M represents a hydrogen atom or a cation consisting of a metallic atom or a nitrogen-containing compound), and the like are particularly preferable as the substituent.

These substituents may be further substituted by similar substituents.

In addition, when the substituent are specifically a group having an active hydrogen, such as a hydroxy group or an amino group, they may be reacted with various acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, halides, or various isocyanates such that they are substituted by an acetyl group, an acyl group, a (meth)acryloyl group, an alkylaminocarbonyl group, an arylaminocarbonyl group (for example, a butylaminocarbonyl group, a phenylaminocarbonyl group, and the like), an alkyl group, an aralkyl group, or the like.

In addition, the alkyl group, the alkenyl group, the aryl group, the aralkyl group represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴, as well as the heterocycle which is formed by R³ and R⁴ together with a jointly bonded nitrogen atom, may be further substituted by a group which is similar to that represented by each of groups represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴.

From the viewpoint of color value (ε/Mw), a total molecular weight of the groups which is represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴ (a molecular weight as the sum of a molecular weight of R¹, a molecular weight of R³ and a molecular weight of R⁴) is preferably 500 or less; is more preferably 400 or less; and is particularly preferably 300 or less. When the group represented by R³ or R⁴ has substituent(s), a number of the substituent(s) which substitute the group represented by R³ or R⁴ is preferably 0 to 4, more preferably 0 to 3, and particularly preferably 0 to 2.

When the group represented by R¹, R³ or R⁴ or the heterocycle which is formed by R³ and R⁴ together with a jointly bonded nitrogen atom further has a substituent, among the substituents which R¹, R³, R⁴ or the heterocycle which is formed by R³ and R⁴ may have, “M” in the —SO₃M group and —COOM group represents a hydrogen atom, a cation consisting of a metallic atom, or a cation consisting of a nitrogen-containing compound. Preferable examples of the “M” include cations of H, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ag, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Al, Ni, Cu, Co or Fe and a cation consisting of a nitrogen-containing compound. More preferable examples thereof include cations of H, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ag, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Al, Ni, Cu, or Fe and a cation consisting of a nitrogen-containing compound. Further preferable examples thereof include cations of H, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Ba, Sr, Zn, Al, Cu, or Fe and a cation consisting of a nitrogen-containing compound.

A cation represented by the above-mentioned M that consists of a nitrogen-containing compound may be selected in consideration of all the factors such as a solubility in organic solvent or water, salt forming properties, absorbance/color value of the dye, and heat resistance and light resistance as a colorant. When the selection is carried out only from the viewpoint of absorbance/color value, the nitrogen-containing compound preferably has the lowest possible molecular weight. Specifically, a molecular weight of 300 or less is preferable; a molecular weight of 280 or less is more preferable; and a molecular weight of 250 or less is particularly preferable.

R² in Formula (I) represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a methoxymethyl group, or a trifluoromethyl group. The alkyl group preferably has 1 to 5 carbon atoms. R² may be further substituted or non-substituted.

Specific examples of the group represented by R² include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, a t-butyl group, a methoxymethyl group, and a trifluoromethyl group. Among these, the methyl group, the ethyl group, the isopropyl group, the t-butyl group, the methoxymethyl group, and the trifluoromethyl group are more preferable, and the methyl group, the isopropyl group, the methoxymethyl group, and the trifluoromethyl group are particularly preferable.

When the group represented by R² has a substituent, examples of the substituent includes a halogen atom, an alkyl group and an alkenyl group. Among these, a chlorine atom, a fluorine group, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, and a 2-butenyl group are more preferable, and the chlorine atom, the methyl group, the ethyl group, the propyl group, the butyl group, and the 2-butenyl group are particularly preferable.

Specific examples of a nitrogen-containing compound which forms the “cation consisting of a nitrogen-containing compound” will be shown below, however, the compound is not limited to these. The cations of the following nitrogen-containing compounds are formed by protonation thereof.

The pyridone azo compound represented by Formula (I) may have two or more dye skeletons which are formed by linking the groups represented by R¹, R³ and R⁴.

Specific examples of the compound represented by Formula (I) (exemplified compounds (1) to (72)) are shown below. However, the present invention is not limited thereby. Tautomers of the following specific examples are also able to be preferably used as the pyridone azo compound of the present invention.

The pyridone azo compounds represented by Formula (I) can generally be synthesized by, for example, a method including reducing a nitrobenzene derivative including required substituents, diazotizing the resulting compound and adding thereto a pyridone compound including required substituents, and the like. In addition, various compounds of Formula (I) can be synthesized in a similar manner by appropriate conversions of the above required substituents of nitrobenzene derivatives and pyridone compounds.

The concentration of the pyridone azo compound represented by Formula (I) (when an acidic dye, which will be described later, is used in combination, an amount of the acidic dye is also included therein) in the total solid content of the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention varies depending upon the species of the dye. The concentration of the pyridone azo compound is preferably 0.5 to 80% by mass; more preferably 0.5 to 75% by mass; and particularly preferably 0.5 to 70% by mass, relative to the total solid content .

SOLVENT OF THE INVENTION

The colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention includes a pyridone azo compound of the present invention and a solvent, specifically, at least one selected from the group consisting of cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, propyleneglycol methyl ether, propyleneglycol methyl ether acetate, a lactate ester, and diacetone alcohol (namely, the solvent of the present invention).

By selectively combining the solvent of the present invention with the pyrodine azo compound of the present invention, it is effective for improving solubility and also stability over time after dissolution.

Preferable examples of lactate esters include methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, propyl lactate, and butyl lactate.

One kind of these solvents can be used alone or two or more kinds can be used in combination.

The solvent of the present invention is preferably contained in the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention in an amount of 10 to 100,000% by mass, more preferably in an amount of 20 to 10,000% by mass, and particularly preferably in an amount of 30 to 10,000% by mass, relative to the mass of the coloring compound represented by Formula (I). When the content of the solvent of the invention is within the above range, the solubility of the colorant in the composition and the stability over time during storage after dissolution can be effectively improved.

Preferable examples of the solvent of the present invention include cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, propyleneglycol methyl ether, propyleneglycol methyl ether acetate, and lactate esters. Cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, propyleneglycol methyl ether, propyleneglycol methyl ether acetate, methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, propyl lactate, and butyl lactate are more preferable. These solvents may be also used in combination of two or more.

In the present invention, a known solvent other than the solvent of the present invention can be used together with the solvent of the invention. Such known solvents can be appropriately selected from known solvents.

The colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention includes a compound represented by Formula (I) and/or a tautomer thereof (namely, the pyridone azo compound of the present invention) as a colorant, and a solvent of the present invention, and, as necessary, may further include a colorant other than the coloring compound represented by Formula (I), a solvent other than the solvent of the present invention, a binder, a polymerizable compound (monomer), a photopolymerization initiator, a crosslinking agent, a photo sensitizer, a photo-acid generator, and the like. Hereinafter each component will be described.

As a specific example, when the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention is a negative working composition which is radically polymerizable, the composition may include a photopolymerization initiator, as well as the pyridone azo compound of the present invention which is represented by Formula (I) (colorant) and the solvent of the present invention, and the composition may further include a polymerizable compound (monomer), a binder (preferably, an alkali soluble binder), and a crosslinking agent.

When a colorant which contains a radical polymerizable group is used, the composition may be a composition which include a polymerizable compound (monomer), or may be a composition which does not include a polymerizable compound (monomer).

When the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention is a positive working composition, the composition includes a pyridone azo compound of the present invention which is represented by Formula (I) (colorant) and a solvent of the present invention, and may further include a binder and a photo sensitizer (or a photo-acid generator), and a curing agent.

Other Colorants

In the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention, the colorant represented by Formula (I) may be simultaneously used with another colorant, a salt formed from another colorant and a metal or a nitrogen-containing compound, a complex, a derivative of another colorant, or the like.

Examples of the another colorant include direct dyes, acidic dyes, mordant/acidic mordant dyes, basic dyes, vat dyes, sulfide dyes, azoic dyes, dispersed dyes, reactive dyes, fluorescent whitening agents, other dyes, pigment resin colors, pigments, and the like which are commonly-known, being given in Colour Index (Society of Dyes and Colorists) and “Dyeing Note” (issued by Shikisensha Co., Ltd.).

Examples of these colorants include CI Solvent Blue 25, CI Solvent Blue 55, CI Solvent Blue 67, CI Solvent Blue 38, CI Solvent Yellow 82, CI Solvent Yellow 162, CI Solvent Orange 56, CI Acid Violet 17, CI Acid Violet 49, CI Direct Blue 86 and the like, and these may be used alone or in mixture of two or more, respectively.

Acidic Dyes and Derivatives Thereof

The acidic dyes are not particularly limited, provided that they have an acid group, such as the sulfonic acid group or the carboxylic acid group, but an appropriate one of them is selected in consideration of all the necessary performances, such as a solubility in organic solvent and developing solution, a salt formability with a basic compound, an absorbance, an interaction with other components in the curable composition, a light resistance, and a heat resistance.

The examples include: acid alizarin violet N; acid black 1, 2, 24 or 48; acid blue 1, 7, 9, 15, 18, 23, 25, 27, 29, 40, 45, 62, 70, 74, 80, 83, 86, 87, 90, 92, 103, 108, 112, 113, 120, 129, 138, 147, 158, 171, 182, 192, or 249; acid chrome violet K; acid Fuchsin; acid green 1, 3, 5, 9, 16, 25, 27, or 50; acid orange 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 50, 51, 52, 56, 63, 74, or 95; acid red 1, 4, 8, 14, 17, 18, 26, 27, 29, 31, 34, 35, 37, 42, 44, 50, 51, 52, 57, 66, 73, 80, 87, 88, 91, 92, 94, 97, 103, 111, 114, 129, 133, 134, 138, 143, 145, 150, 151, 158, 176, 183, 198, 211, 215, 216, 217, 249, 252, 257, 260, 266, or 274; acid violet 6B, 7, 9, 17, or 19; acid yellow 1, 3, 7, 9, 11, 17, 23, 25, 29, 34, 36, 40, 42, 54, 65, 72, 73, 76, 79, 98, 99, 111, 112, 114, 116, 169, or 243; Food Yellow 3; and derivatives of these dyes.

Among these, as the above-mentioned acidic dyes, the dyes, such as: acid black 24; acid blue 7, 23, 25, 29, 62, 83, 86, 87, 90, 92, 108, 138, 158, or 249; acid green 3, 5, 9, 16, 25, 27, or 50; acid orange 8, 51, 56, 74, 63, or 74; acid red 1, 4, 8, 34, 37, 42, 52, 57, 80, 97, 114, 143, 145, 151, 183, or 217; acid violet 7; acid yellow 17, 23, 25, 29, 34, 40, 42, 72, 76, 99, 111, 112, 114, 116, 163, 243; and derivatives of these dyes are preferable.

In addition, azo, xanthene, and phthalocyanine acidic dyes other than those mentioned above are preferable, and the acidic dyes, such as CI Solvent Blue 44 or 38; CI Solvent Orange 45, Rhodamine B; Rhodamine 110; and 3-[(5-chloro-2-phenoxyphenyl)hydrazono]-3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-5-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-2,7-naphthalenedisufonic acid, and the derivatives of these dyes are preferably used.

As the derivatives of the above-mentioned acidic dyes, compounds which are produced by converting the sulfonic acid of the acidic dyes into a sulfonamide or a sulfonate, and the like can be effectively used.

The atomic group that form salts with acidic dyes will be described. For the atomic group for forming a salt with the above-mentioned acidic dyes, there is no limitation, provided that the atomic group is a cationic one which forms a salt with the anion of the above-mentioned acidic dyes. Examples of such an atomic group include cations consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ag, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Al, Ni, Cu, Co, Fe, or a nitrogen-containing compound, and the like.

Here is a description of the nitrogen-containing compounds for forming a salt with the acidic dyes. The nitrogen-containing compound which forms a salt with the acidic dyes is selected by consideration of all the factors, such as the solubility in organic solvent and developing solution, the salt forming properties, the absorbance of the dye, and the interaction with other components in the curable composition. When the selection is carried out only from the viewpoint of absorbance, the above-mentioned nitrogen-containing compound preferably has the lowest possible molecular weight. Specifically, a molecular weight of 245 or less is preferable; a molecular weight of 240 or less is more preferable; and a molecular weight of 230 or less is particularly preferable.

In order to prevent photofading and improve the heat resistance of the dye, generally known nitrogen-containing color fading inhibitor compounds may be used. From this viewpoint, a compound having a low oxidation potential (a low ionization potential), a tertiary amine compound, an aliphatic cyclic amine compound, an aniline compound, a hydrazine compound, and the like are preferable.

The preferable specific examples of the nitrogen-containing compound are the same as those mentioned as M of the —SO₃M in the description of R³ and R⁴ of Formula (I).

Here is an explanation of the ratio between the number of moles of an atomic group which forms a salt with a coloring compound of the Formula (I) (and/or an acidic dye) and the number of moles of the coloring compound of the Formula (I) (and/or the acidic dye) (molar ratio L).

The ratio (molar ratio) L is a value determining the ratio of the moles of the acidic dye molecules to the moles of the atomic group, which is its counter ion, and can be freely selected in accordance with the salt forming conditions of the acidic dye and atomic group. Specifically, the L is a numerical value between 0 and 10 inclusive, and is the number of acid functional groups in the acidic dye. It is selected in consideration of all the factors, such as the solubility in organic solvent and developing solution, the salt forming properties, the absorbance, the interaction with other components in the curable composition, the light resistance, and the heat resistance. When the selection is carried out only from the viewpoint of absorbance, it is preferable that the above-mentioned L is a numerical value in a range of 0<L≦7; it is more preferable that the above-mentioned L is a numerical value in a range of 0<L≦6, and it is particularly preferable that the above-mentioned L is a numerical value in a range of 0<L≦5.

Binder

The colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention can preferably contain at least one kind of binder. The binder used in the present invention is not particularly limited, provided that it is water soluble or alkali soluble (which, hereinafter sometimes referred to as “an alkali soluble binder”), however, it is preferable to select the binder from the viewpoints of heat resistance, developability, availability, and the like.

As the alkali soluble binder, a binder which is a linear high polymeric organic substance, is soluble in organic solvent, and can be processed for development with a weak alkali aqueous solution is preferable. Examples of such a linear high polymeric organic substance include polymers which have carboxylic acid in its side chain, such as the methacrylic acid copolymer, the acrylic acid copolymer, the itaconic acid copolymer, the crotonic acid copolymer, the maleic acid copolymer, the partially esterified maleic acid copolymer, and the like as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) Nos. 59-44615, 54-34327, 58-12577, 54-25957, 59-53836, and 59-71048. Similarly, acidic cellulose derivatives which have carboxylic acid in its side chain are useful. In addition to these, a polymer with a hydroxyl group to which an acid anhydride is added, polyhydroxystyrene resins, polysiloxan resins, poly(2-hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate), polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, and the like are also useful.

The above-mentioned alkali soluble binder may be a copolymer of monomers having a hydrophilic property, and examples thereof include compounds obtained by copolymerizing alcoxyalkyl(meth)acrylate, hydroxyalkyl(meth)acrylate, glycerol(meth)acrylate, (meth)acrylamide, N-methylol acrylamide, secondary or tertiary alkylacrylamide, dialkylaminoalkyl(meth)acrylate, morpholine(meth)acrylate, N-vinyl pirrolidone, N-vinyl caprolactam, vinyl imidazole, vinyl triazole, methyl(meth)acrylate, ethyl(meth)acrylate, branched or straight-chain propyl(meth)acrylate, branched or straight-chain butyl(meth)acrylate, and phenoxyhydroxypropyl(meth)acrylate, or the like.

As other monomers having a hydrophilic property, monomers and the like including a tetrahydrofurfuryl group, phosphoric acid, phosphate ester, quarternary ammonium salt, ethyleneoxy chain, propyleneoxy chain, sulfonic acid and its salt, morpholinoethyl group, and the like are also useful.

Further, in view of improving a crosslinking efficiency, a polymerizable group is preferably included in the side chain, and polymers and the like which contain an allyl group, a (meta)acryl group, an allyloxyalkyl group, or the like in the side chain thereof are also useful.

Examples of the polymers containing these polymerizable groups are given below, but not limited to these, provided that an alkali soluble group, such as a —COOH group, a —OH group, and an ammonium group, and a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond, are included therein.

For example, a compound which is obtained by reacting a compound having an epoxy ring, which has a reactivity with a —OH group, and a compound having a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond group, such as glycidyl acrylate, with a copolymer which is composed of a monomer having a —OH group, such as 2-hydroxyethylacrylate, a monomer having a —COOH group, such as methacrylic acid, and a monomer which is copolymerizable with the monomer having a —OH group and the monomer having a —COOH group, such as an acryl compound, a vinyl compound or the like, can be used.

For the reaction with the —OH group, a compound having an acid anhydride, an isocyanate group, and an acryloyl group can be used in place of the epoxy ring. Further, a reaction product which is obtained by reacting a saturated- or unsaturated-polybasic acid anhydride with a compound obtained by reacting a compound having an epoxy ring with an unsaturated carboxylic acid, such as acrylic acid, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No.6-102669 and 6-1938 can also be used.

Examples of a compound which has both an alkali soluble group, such as a —COOH group, and a carbon-to-carbon unsaturated group include DIANAL NR series (trade name, manufactured by Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.), —COOH group containing polyurethane acrylic oligomer (trade name: PHOTOMER 6173, manufactured by Diamond Shamrock Co., Ltd.), VISCOAT® R-264 and KS RESIST 106 (both trade names, manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.), CYCLOMER P series and PRAXEL CF200 series (both trade names, manufactured by Daicel Company Ltd.), EBECRYL® 3800 (trade name, manufactured by Daicel-UCB Company Ltd.), and the like.

Among these various kinds of binders, examples of the alkali soluble binder, which are preferable from the viewpoint of heat resistance, include a polyhydroxystyrene resin, polysiloxane resin, acrylic resin, acrylamide resin, and acryl/acrylamide copolymer resin, and more preferable examples include acrylic resin, polyhydroxystyrene resin, and polysiloxane resin. In addition, from the viewpoint of control of developability, an acryl resin, acrylamide resin, and acryl/acrylamide copolymer resin are preferable.

As the acrylic resin, a copolymer consisting of monomers selected from a benzyl(meth)acrylate, (meth)acryl acid, hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate, (meth)acrylamide and the like, (meth)acrylic resins having a polymerizable side-chain, such as CYCLOMER P series, PRAXEL CF200 series (both trade names, manufactured by Daicel Company Ltd.), EBECRYL® 3800 (trade name, manufactured by Daicel-UCB Company Ltd.), DIANAL NR series (trade name, manufactured by Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.), VISCOAT® R264, KS RESIST 106 (both trade names, manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.), or the like are preferable.

In addition, in view of enhancing a strength of a cured film, alcohol-soluble nylon, polyether formed from 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane and epichlorhydrine, and the like are also useful.

In addition, examples of the binder to be used in the present invention include an alkali soluble phenolic resin. The alkali soluble phenolic resin can be preferably used when the composition of the present invention is rendered to be a positive working composition. Examples of the alkali soluble phenolic resin include a novolak resin, a vinyl copolymer, and the like.

Examples of the novolak resin include a novolak resin which is obtained by condensing phenols and aldehydes in the presence of an acidic catalyst. Examples of the phenols include a phenol, crezol, ethyl phenol, butyl phenol, xylenol, phenyl phenol, catechol, rezorcinol, pyrogallol, naphthol, bisphenol A, and the like. The phenols can be used alone or in combination of two or more of them. Examples of the aldehydes include a formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propyonic aldehyde, benzaldehyde, and the like.

Specific examples of the novolak resin include a condensation product of a metacrezol, paracrezol, or a mixture of these and formalin. A molecular weight distribution of the novolak resin may be adjusted by means such as fractionation. In addition, a low-molecular weight component having a phenolic hydroxyl group, such as bisphenol C or bisphenol A, may be mixed with the above-mentioned novolak resin.

The binder is preferably a polymer having a weight average molecular weight (a polystyrene-converted value measured by the Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) method) of 1,000 to 2×10⁵, more preferably of 2,000 to 1×10⁵; and particularly preferably of 5,000 to 5×10⁴.

From the viewpoint of a pattern forming property (developability) and the like, an amount of the binder which is used in the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention is preferably in a range from 10 to 90% by mass, more preferably in a range from 20 to 80% by mass; and particularly preferably in a range from 30 to 70% by mass relative to the total solid content in the composition of the present invention.

Polymerizable Compound

The colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention may preferably include at least one kind of polymerizable compound (monomer). By containing a polymerizable monomer and a photopolymerization initiator, which will be described later, the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention can be configured as a negative working composition. In addition, when the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention is configured as a positive working composition, the composition may also include a polymerizable monomer and a photopolymerization initiator, which will be described later, and in this case, pattern curability can be accelerated. Hereinafter, the polymerizable compounds will be described.

As the monomer, a compound which has at least one addition-polymerizable ethylenic unsaturated group, and has a boiling point of 100° C. or higher under normal pressure, is preferable.

Examples thereof include: monofunctional acrylates and methacrylates such as polyethylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate, polypropylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate, phenoxyethyl(meth)acrylate; polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylates; trimethylol ethane tri(meth)acrylates; neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylates; pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylates; pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylates; dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylates; dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylates; hexanediol(meth)acrylates; trimethylol propane tri(acryloyloxypropyl) ether; tri(acryloyloxyethyl)isocyanulate; compounds obtained by adding ethylene oxides, propylene oxides or the like to multifunctional alcohols, such as glycerin or trimethylol ethane, and then (meth)acrylating the resultant of the reaction; urethane acrylates such as those disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication (JP-B) Nos. 48-41708 and 50-6034 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 51-37193; polyester acrylates such as those disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 48-64183, Japanese Patent Application Publication (JP-B) Nos. 49-43191 and 52-30490; and multifunctional acrylates or methacrylates, such as epoxyacrylates, which are reaction products of epoxy resins and (metha)acrylic acids, and mixtures thereof. Further, examples thereof include those introduced as light curable monomers and oligomers in Journal of the Adhesion Society of Japan, Vol. 20, No. 7, pp. 300 to 308.

As the above-mentioned monomer, the (meth)acrylic ester monomer is preferable, and the quadrifunctional- or higher functional (meth)acrylic ester monomer is particularly preferable.

From the viewpoint of curability and the like, the content of the above-mentioned monomer in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1 to 90% by mass, more preferably 1.0 to 80% by mass, and particularly preferably 2.0 to 70% by mass with respect to the solid content of the composition.

Photopolymerization Initiator

The colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention may preferably include at least one kind of photopolymerization initiator. The photopolymerization initiator may be contained in the colorant-curable composition of the present invention together with a polymerizable compound (monomer), when the composition is configured to be a negative working composition.

The photopolymerization initiator is not particularly limited, provided that it allows the polymerizable compound to be polymerized, however, it is preferable that the photopolymerization initiator is selected from the viewpoints of characteristics, initiation efficiency, absorption wavelength, availability, cost, and the like.

Examples of the photopolymerization initiator include active halogen compounds, such as halomethyloxadiazole compound and a trihalomethyltriazine compound, a benzyldimethylketal compound, an α-hydroxyketone compound, an α-aminoketone compound, a phosphine oxide compound, a metallocene compound, an oxime compound, a triaryl imidazole dimer, a benzothiazole compound, a benzophenone compound, an acetophenone compound and its derivative, a cyclopentadien-benzene-ferrous complex and its salt, a halomethyloxadiazole compound, and a 3-aryl-substituted coumarin compound, and the like, and the photopolymerization initiator preferably comprises at least one kind of compound selected from the group consisting of the α-aminoketone compound, the phosphine oxide compound, the metallocene compound, the oxime compound, and the triaryl imidazole dimer.

In addition, it is preferable that the photopolymerization initiator includes at least one compound which does not generate an acid by decomposition.

Examples of the active halogen compound, such as the above-mentioned halomethyloxadiazole compound, include 2-halomethyl-5-vinyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole compound and the like as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication (JP-B) No. 57-6069, 2-trichloromethyl-5-styryl-1,3,4-oxadiazole, 2-trichloromethyl-5-(p-cyanostyryl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole, 2-trichloromethyl-5-(p-methoxystyryl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole, and the like.

Examples of the trihalomethyl-s-triazine compound photopolymerization initiator include vinyl-halomethyl-s-triazine compounds as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication (JP-B) No. 59-1281, 2-(naphtho-1-yl)-4,6-bis-halomethyl-s-triazine compounds and 4-(p-aminophenyl)-2,6-di-halomethyl-s-triazine compounds as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A)No. 53-133428, and the like.

Other examples thereof include a 2,4-bis(trichloromethyl)-6-p-methoxystyryl-s-triazine, 2,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-4-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-4-(4-methylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-bis(trichloromethyl)-6-(1-p-dimethylaminophenyl-1,3-butadienyl)-s-triazine, 2-trichloromethyl-4-amino-6-p-methoxystyryl-s-triazine, 2-(naphtho-1-yl)-4,6-bis-trichloromethyl-s-triazine, 2-(4-methoxy-naphtho-1-yl)-4,6-bis-trichloromethyl-s-triazine, 2-(4-ethoxy-naphtho-1-yl)-4,6-bis-trichloromethyl-s-triazine, 2-(4-buthoxy-naphtho-1-yl)-4,6-bis-trichloromethyl-s-triazine, 2-[4-(2-methoxyethyl)-naphtho-1-yl]-4,6-bis-trichloromethyl-s-triazine, 2-[4-(2-ethoxyethyl)-naphtho-1-yl]-4,6-bis-trichloromethyl-s-triazine, 2-[4-(2-buthoxyethyl)-naphtho-1-yl]-4,6-bis-trichloromethyl-s-triazine, 2-(2-methoxy-naphtho-1-yl)-4,6-bis-trichloromethyl-s-triazine, 2-(6-methoxy-5-methyl-naphtho-2-yl)-4,6-bis-trichloromethyl-s-triazine, 2-(6-methoxy-naphtho-2-yl)-4,6-bis-trichloromethyl-s-triazine, 2-(5-methoxy-naphtho-1-yl)-4,6-bis-trichloromethyl-s-triazine, 2-(4,7-dimethoxy-naphtho-1-yl)-4,6-bis-trichloromethyl-s-triazine, 2-(6-ethoxy-naphtho-2-yl)-4,6-bis-trichloromethyl-s-triazine, 2-(4,5-dimethoxy-naphtho-1-yl)-4,6-bis-trichloromethyl-s-triazine, 4-[p-N,N-di(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[o-methyl-p-N,N-di(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[p-N,N-di(chloroethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[o-methyl-p-N,N-di(chloroethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-(p-N-chloroethylaminophenyl)-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-(p-N-ethoxycarbonylmethylaminophenyl)-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[p-N,N-di(phenyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-(p-N-chloroethylcarbonylaminophenyl)-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[p-N-(p-methoxyphenyl)carbonylaminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[m-N,N-di(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[m-bromo-p-N,N-di(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[m-chloro-p-N,N-di(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[m-fluoro-p-N,N-di(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[o-bromo-p-N,N-di(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[o-chloro-p-N,N-di(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[o-fluoro-p-N,N-di(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[o-bromo-p-N,N-di(chloroethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[o-chloro-p-N,N-di(chloroethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[o-fluoro-p-N,N-di(chloroethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[m-bromo-p-N,N-di(chloroethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[m-chloro-p-N,N-di(chloroethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-[m-fluoro-p-N,N-di(chloroethyl)aminophenyl]-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-(m-bromo-p-N-ethoxycarbonylmethylaminophenyl)-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-(m-chloro-p-N-ethoxycarbonylmethylaminophenyl)-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-(m-fluoro-p-N-ethoxycarbonylmethylaminophenyl)-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-(o-bromo-p-N-ethoxycarbonylmethylaminophenyl)-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-(o-chloro-p-N-ethoxycarbonylmethylaminophenyl)-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-(o-fluoro-p-N-ethoxycarbonylmethylaminophenyl)-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-(m-bromo-p-N-chloroethylaminophenyl)-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-(m-chloro-p-N-chloroethylaminophenyl)-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-(m-fluoro-p-N-chloroethylaminophenyl)-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-(o-bromo-p-N-chloroethylaminophenyl)-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-(o-chloro-p-N-chloroethylaminophenyl)-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, 4-(o-fluoro-p-N-chloroethylaminophenyl)-2,6-di(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine, and the like.

In addition to these, TAZ series manufactured by Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd., including TAZ-107, TAZ-110, TAZ-104, TAZ-109, TAZ-140, TAZ-204, TAZ-113, and TAZ-123 (all trade names, manufactured by Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.); T series manufactured by Panchim Ltd., including T-OMS, T-BMP, T-R, and T-B (all trade names, manufactured by Panchim Ltd.); IRGACURE® series manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Inc., including IRGACURE® 651, IRGACURE® 184, IRGACURE® 500, IRGACURE® 1000, IRGACURE® 149, IRGACURE® 819, and IRGACURE® 261; DAROCURE® series manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Inc., including DAROCURE® 1173; 4,4′-bis(diethylamino)-benzophenone, 2-(o-benzoyloxime)-1-[4-(phenylthio)phenyl]-1,2-octanedione, 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-4-morpholinobuthylophenone, 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone, 2-(o-chlorphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazolyl dimer, 2-(o-fluorophenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazolyl dimer, 2-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazolyl dimer, 2-(p-dimethoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazolyl dimer, 2-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazolyl dimer, 2-(p-methylmercaptophenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazolyl dimer, benzoinisopropylether, and the like can be usefully utilized.

Examples of the α-aminoketone compound include IRGACURE® series manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Inc. (such as IRGACURE® 907 or IRGACURE® 369), 2-methyl-1-phenyl-2-morpholinopropane-1-on, 2-methyl-1-[4-(hexyl)phenyl]-2-morpholinopropane-1-on, 2-ethyl-2-dimethylamino-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)-butanone-1, and the like.

Examples of the oxime compound include 2-(o-benzoyloxime)-1-[4-(phenylthio)phenyl)-1,2-octanedione, 1-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-butane-1,2-butane-2-oxime-o-acetate, 1-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-butane-1-onoxime-o-acetate, hydroxyimino-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-acetic acid ethyl ester-o-acetate, hydroxyimino-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-acetic acid ethyl ester-o-benzoate, and the like.

In addition, preferable examples of the benzylmethylketal compound include IRGACURE® 651; those of the α-hydroxyketone compound include IRGACURE® 184, IRGACURE® 1173, IRGACURE®500, IRGACURE® 1000, and IRGACURE® 2959; those of the phosphine oxide compound (blend) include IRGACURE® 1700, IRGACURE® 149, IRGACURE® 1850, IRGACURE® 819, and IRGACURE® 184; those of the metallocene compound include IRGACURE® 784 and IRGACURE® 261 (all manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Inc.), from the viewpoints of availability and stability, and the analogs and peripheral compounds for these, and the like are also preferable.

From the viewpoints of light resistance and heat resistance of the dye, it is preferable to use a compound which does not generate an acid by decomposition. Namely, it is preferable to use at least one kind of compound selected from the group consisting of a benzylmethylketal compound, an α-hydroxyketone compound, an α-aminoketone compound, a phosphine oxide compound, a metallocene compound, an oxime compound, a triarylimidazole dimer, a benzothiazole compound, a benzophenone compound, a acetophenone compound and its derivative, and a cyclopentadiene-benzene-ferrous complex and its salt as the compound which does not generate an acid by decomposition. It is further preferable to use at least one kind of compound selected from the group consisting of an α-aminoketone compound, a phosphine oxide compound, a metallocene compound, an oxime compound, and a triarylimidazole dimer.

These photopolymerization initiators can be used in combination with sensitizers and light stabilizers.

Specific examples of the sensitizers and light stabilizers include: benzoin, benzoinmethylether, 9-fluorenone, 2-chloro-9-fluorenone, 2-methyl-9-fluorenone, 9-anthrone, 2-bromo-9-anthrone, 2-ethyl-9-anthrone, 9,1 0-anthraquinone, 2-ethyl-9,10-anthraquinone, 2-t-butyl-9,10-anthraquinone, 2,6-dichloro-9,10-anthraquinone, xanthone, 2-methylxanthone, 2-methoxyxanthone, 2-methoxyxanthone, thioxanthone, 2,4-diethylthioxanthone, acridone, 10-butyl-2-chloroacridone, benzyl, dibenzalacetone, p-(dimethylamino)phenylstyrylketone, p-(dimethylamino)phenyl-p-methylstyrylketone, benzophenone, p-(dimethylamino)benzophenone(or Michler's ketone), p-(dimethylamino)benzophenone, benzoanthron, and the like; benzothiazole compounds and the like as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication (JP-B) No. 51-48516; TINUVIN® 1130 and TINUVIN® 400 (both manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals); and the like.

In addition to the above-mentioned photopolymerization initiators, other known photopolymerization initiators can be used in the composition of the present invention.

Specific examples thereof include vicinalpolyketolaldonyl compounds as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,367,660; α-carbonyl compounds as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,367,661 and 2,367,670; acyloinethers as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,448,828; aromatic acyloin compounds substituted by α-hydrocarbon groups as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,722,512; polynuclear quinone compounds as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,046,127 and 2,951,758; combinations of triarylimidazole dimers and p-aminophenylketones as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,549,367; benzothiazole compounds and trihalomethyl-s-triazine compounds as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication (JP-B) No. 51-48516, and the like.

The amount used of the photopolymerization initiator in the colorant-containing curable composition is preferably 0.01 to 50% by mass, more preferably 1 to 30% by mass, and particularly preferably 1 to 20% by mass, with respect to a solid content of the polymerizable compound (monomer). When the amount of the photopolymerization initiator is within the above range, the film strength can be effectively prevented from being weakened for too low molecular weight.

A thermal polymerization inhibitor is preferably added to the composition of the present invention. Examples of the thermal polymerization inhibitor include hydroquinone, p-methoxyphenol, di-t-butyl-p-crezol, pyrogallol, t-butylcatechol, benzoquinone, 4,4′-thiobis(3-methyl-6-t-butylphenol), 2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol), 2-mercaptobenzoimidazole, and the like.

Crosslinking Agent

In the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention, it is also possible to additionally use a crosslinking agent for obtaining a film which is cured to a still higher degree. In this case, the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention may include at least one kind of the crosslinking agents which will be described later.

The crosslinking agent that can be used in the present invention is not particularly limited, provided that it allows crosslinking reaction for film curing to be carried out, however, preferable examples thereof include: (a) a epoxy resin; (b) a melamine compound, guanamine compound, glycol uryl compound, or urea compound which is substituted by at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a methylol group, an alkoxymethyl group and an acyloxymethyl group; (c) a phenolic compound, a naphtholic compound, or a hydroxyanthracene compound which is substituted by at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a methylol group, an alkoxymethyl group and an acyloxymethyl group. Among them, a multifunctional epoxy resin is particularly preferable as the crosslinking agent.

As the (a) epoxy resin, any compounds can be used with no particular restrictions, provided that they have an epoxy group and crosslikability. Examples of these compounds include: low-molecular weight compounds containing a divalent glyidyl group, such as bisphenol-A-diglycidylether, ethyleneglycol diglycidylether, butanediol diglycidylether, hexanediol diglycidylether, dihydroxybiphenyl diglycidylether, phthalic acid diglycidylether, or N,N-diglycidyl aniline; low-molecular weight compounds containing a trivalent glyidyl group, represented by trimethylolpropane triglycidylether, trimethylolphenol triglycidylether, TRIS P-PA (trade name, manufactured by Honshu Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)-triglycidylether, or the like; low-molecular weight compounds containing a tetravalent glycidyl group, represented by pentaerythritol tetraglycidylether, tetramethylol bisphenol-A-tetraglycidylether, or the like; polyvalent low-molecular weight compounds containing a polyvalent glycidyl group, such as dipentaerythritol pentaglycidylether, dipentaerythritol hexaglycidylether, or the like; high-molecular weight compounds containing a glycidyl group, represented by polyglycidyl (meth)acrylate, a 1,2-epoxy-4-(2-oxylanyl) cyclohexane addition product of 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-1-butanol, or the like.

With regard to a number of the methylol group, alkoxymethyl group or acyloxymethyl group by which the compound (b) is substituted, the melamine compound is substituted by 2 to 6 of these substituents, and each of the glycoluryl compound, the guanamine compound, and the urea compound is substituted by 2 to 4 of these substituents. It is preferable that the melamine compound is substituted by 5 to 6 of these substituents, and each of the glycoluryl compound, the guanamine compound, and the urea compound is substituted by 3 to 4 of these substituents.

Hereinafter, the melamine compounds, guanamine compounds, and glycouryl compounds of the compounds (b) may sometimes be referred to as the compounds (b) (methylol-group containing, alkoxymethyl-group containing, or acyloxymethyl group containing).

These methylol-group containing compounds (b) can be obtained by heating the alkoxymethyl-group containing compounds (b) in the presence of an acidic catalyst, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, or methansulfonic acid, in alcohol. The acyloxymethyl-group containing compound (b) can be obtained by mixing a methylol-group containing compound (b) with acylchloride and mixing them by stirring in the presence of a basic catalyst.

Hereinafter, specific examples of the compound (b) having substituents are mentioned.

Examples of the melamine compound include a hexamethylol melamine, hexamethoxymethyl melamine, compounds in which 1 to 5 methylol groups of hexamethylol melamine are methoxymethylated or mixtures thereof, hexamethoxyethyl melamine, hexaacyloxymethyl melamine, compounds in which 1 to 5 methylol groups of hexamethylol melamine are acyloxymethylated or mixtures thereof, and the like.

Examples of the guanamine compound include tetramethylol guanamine, tetramethoxymethyl guanamine, compounds in which 1 to 3 methylol groups of tetramethylol guanamine are methoxymethylated or mixtures thereof, tetramethoxyethyl guanamine, tetraacyloxymethyl guanamine, compounds in which 1 to 3 methylol groups of tetramethylol guanamine are acyloxymethylated or mixtures thereof, and the like.

Examples of the glycoluryl compound include tetramethylol glycoluryl, tetramethoxymethyl glycoluryl, compounds in which 1 to 3 methylol groups of tetramethylol glycoluryl are methoxymethylated or mixtures thereof, compounds in which 1 to 3 methylol groups of tetramethylol glycoluryl are acyloxymethylated or mixtures thereof, and the like.

Examples of the urea compound include tetramethylol urea, tetramethoxymethyl urea, compounds in which 1 to 3 methylol groups of tetramethylol urea are methoxymethylated or mixtures thereof, tetramethoxyethyl urea, and the like.

These may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

The phenolic compound, naphtholic compound, and hydroxyanthracene compound which are categorized as the compound (c), being substituted by at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of the methylol group, alkoxymethyl group, and acyloxymethyl group suppress intermixing with an overcoated photoresist by a thermal crosslinking, and further enhance a film strength, as are the case with the compound (b).

It is necessary that one molecule of the compound (c) includes at least two groups of those selected from the group consisting of the methylol groups, alkoxymethyl groups and acyloxymethyl groups. From the viewpoints of thermal crosslinkability and storage stability, it is preferable that the compound (c) is a phenolic compound in which all of the second and fourth positions are substituted.

Further, it is preferable that the naphtholic compound and the hydroxyanthracene compound, which becomes a skeleton (main chain and side chain(s)) of the compound (c), is substituted at all the ortho and para positions of —OH groups. The third or fifth position of the phenolic compound, which provides a skeleton of the compound (c), may be substituted or unsubstituted. With regard to the naphtholic compound, which provides the skeleton of the compound (c), the positions other than the ortho positions of —OH groups may be substituted or unsubstituted.

The methylol group-containing compounds (c) can be obtained by using a compound with which the ortho or para position (the second or fourth position) relative to the phenolic —OH group is a hydrogen atom as a raw material, and causing it to react with formalin in a presence of a basic catalyst, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonia, or tetraalkyl ammonium hydroxide.

In addition, the alkoxymethyl-group containing compounds (c) can be obtained by heating the methyrol-group containing compounds in a presence of an acidic catalyst, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, or methansulfonic acid, in alcohol.

The acyloxymethyl-group containing compounds can be obtained by causing the methyrol-group containing compounds to react with acylchloride in a presence of a basic catalyst.

Examples of the skeleton compound of the crosslinking agent (c) include a phenolic compound, naphthol, and a hydroxyanthracen compound in which ortho or para positions relative to a phenolic —OH group thereof is unsubstituted, and specific examples thereof include a phenol, crezol, isomers thereof, 2,3-xylenol, 2,5-xylenol, 3,4-xylenol, 3,5-xylenol, bisphenols such as bisphenol-A, 4,4′-bishydroxybiphenyl, TRIS P-PA (described above), naphthol, dihydroxynaphthalen, 2,7-dihydroxyanthracen and the like.

Specific examples of the compound (c) include, among the phenolic compounds, a trimethylol phenol, tri(methoxymethyl)phenol, trimethylol phenol, compounds in which 1 or 2 methylol groups of trimethylol phenol are methoxymethylated, trimethylol-3-crezol, tri(methoxymethyl)-3-crezol, compounds in which 1 or 2 methylol groups of trimethylol-3-crezol are methoxymethylated, dimethylol crezols such as 2,6-dimethylol-4-crezol, tetramethylol bisphenol-A, tetramethoxymethyl bisphenol-A, compounds in which 1 to 3 methylol groups of tetramethylol bisphenol-A are methoxymethylated, tetramethylol-4,4′-bishydroxybiphenyl, tetramethoxymethyl-4,4-bishydroxybiphenyl, hexamethylol species of TRISP-PA (described above), hexamethoxymethyl species TRIS P-PA (described above), compounds in which 1 to 5 methylol groups of hexamethylol species of TRIS P-PA (described above) are methoxymethylated, bishydroxymethyl naphthalenediol, and the like.

Examples of the hydroxyanthracen compound include a 1,6-dihydroxymethyl-2,7-dihydroxyanthracen, and the like.

Examples of the acyloxymethyl-group containing compounds include compounds in which a part or all of the methylol groups of the methylol-group containing compounds are acyloxymethylated.

Among these compounds, a trimethylol phenol, bishydroxymethyl-p-crezol, tetramethylol bisphenol-A, hexamethylol species of TRIS P-PA (described above), or phenolic compounds in which the hexamethylol groups of these compounds are substituted by an alkoxymethyl group and both a methylol group and an alkoxymethyl group.

These may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

The content of the compounds (a) to (c) in the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention varies depending upon the base material, however, it is preferably in a range of 1 to 70% by mass, more preferably in a range of 5 to 50% by mass, and particularly preferably in a range of 7 to 30% by mass with respect to the solid content in the composition.

Positive Working Composition

The colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention may be configured as a positive working composition.

When the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention is a positive working composition, the composition may preferably include a binder (preferably an alkali soluble binder), a photo sensitizer, a curing agent, a photo-acid generator, and the like, as well as a pyridone azo compound of the present invention, which is represented by Formula (I), and a solvent of the present invention, and the composition may further include a polymerizable compound and a photopolymerization initiator.

The colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention may be suitably configured to be a positive working composition by containing a photo sensitizer. Preferable examples of the photo sensitizer include naphthoquinonediazide compounds.

Examples of the above-mentioned naphthoquinonediazide compounds include o-benzoquinonediazide sulfonic acid esters and o-naphthoquinonediazide sulfonic acid esters. Specific examples thereof include o-naphthoquinonediazide-5-sulfonic acid ester, o-naphthoquinonediazide-5-sulfonic acid amide, o-naphthoquinonediazide-4-sulfonic acid ester, o-naphthoquinonediazide-4-sulfonic acid amide, and the like. These esters and amide compounds can be manufactured by commonly-known methods such as those disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) Nos. 2-84650 or 3-49437, which use phenolic compounds represented by “General Formula (I)” as disclosed therein.

When the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention is a positive working composition, the composition may include a curing agent and/or a binder. In this case, the positive working colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention can be configured by including a pyridone azo compound of the present invention which is represented by Formula (I), a solvent of the present invention, a photo sensitizer, and a binder and/or a curing agent.

Preferable examples of the curing agents include the melamine compounds, methylol-group containing compounds and the like which are mentioned above as the crosslinking agent. Preferable examples of the binders include novolac resins, vinyl phenolic resins, and the like.

When the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention is a positive working composition, a binder (preferably, an alkali soluble binder) and the curing agent are generally preferably contained (preferably, dissolved) in the solvent at a rate of about 2 to 50% by mass and about 2 to 30% by mass respectively relative to the mass of the solvent.

The naphthoquinonediazide compound and the colorant (including the pyridone azo compound of the present invention which is represented by Formula (I) ) are generally preferably contained (preferably, dissolved) in the solution, in which the binder and the curing agent are dissolved, at a rate of about 2 to 30% by mass and about 2 to 50% by mass respectively relative to the mass of the solution.

Further, when the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention is configured to be a positive working composition, it can be preferably configured by including a pyridone azo compound of the invention which is represented by Formula (I), a solvent of the present invention, a photo-acid generator, and a curing agent. The curing agents are described above.

Photo-Acid Generator

The photo-acid generator is not particularly limited, provided that it is a compound which generates an acid when exposed to light, however, preferable examples thereof include various oxime compounds such as α-(4-toluenesulfonyloxyimino)phenylacetonitrile, various iodonium compounds, various sulfonium compounds, various trihalomethyltriazine compounds, and the like.

When the composition of the present invention is configured as an acid-condensation negative working composition, the photo-acid generator can be used in combination with a solvent of the invention, a polymerizabale compound and a binder, and as necessary, a crosslinking agent.

Other Solvents

The solvent of the present invention may be used together with another solvent in preparing the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention. The solvent is not basically particularly limited, provided that the requirements for solubility and coatability of the composition are met, however, it is preferable that the solvent is selected in consideration of the solubility of dyes and binders, coatability, and safety.

Preferable examples of another solvent to be used together with the solvent of the present invention include esters such as ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, amyl formate, isoamyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, butyl propionate, isopropyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate, butyl butyrate, alkyl esters, methyl oxyacetate, ethyl oxyacetate, butyl oxyacetate, methoxy methylacetate, methoxy ethylacetate, methoxy butylacetate, ethoxy methylacetate, ethoxy ethylacetate; 3-oxypropionic acid alkyl esters such as methyl 3-oxypropionate or ethyl 3-oxypropionate, for example, methyl 3-methoxypropionate, ethyl 3-methoxypropionate, methyl 3-ethoxypropionate, ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate; 2-oxypropionic acid alkyl esters such as methyl 2-oxypropionate, ethyl 2-oxypropionate, propyl 2-oxypropionate, for example, methyl 2-methoxypropionate, ethyl 2-methoxypropionate, propyl 2-methoxypropionate, methyl 2-ethoxypropionate, ethyl 2-ethoxypropionate, methyl 2-oxy-2-methylpropionate, ethyl 2-oxy-2-methylpropionate, methyl 2-methoxy-2-methylpropionate, ethyl 2-ethoxy-2-methylpropionate; methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, propyl pyruvate, methyl acetoacetate, ethyl acetoacetate, methyl 2-oxobutanate, or ethyl 2-oxobutanate; ethers such as diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, methyl cellosolve acetate, ethyl cellosolve acetate, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monombutyl ether, propyleneglycol ethyl ether acetate, or propyleneglycol propyl ether acetate; ketones such as methylethyl ketone, 2-heptanone, or 3-heptanone; and aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and xylene.

Among these, methyl 3-ethoxypropionate, ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate, ethyl cellosolve acetate, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, butyl acetate, methyl 3-methoxypropionate, 2-heptanone, ethyl carbitol acetate, butyl carbitol acetate and the like are more preferable.

Other Additives

Various additives, such as fillers, high-molecular weight compounds other than the above-mentioned ones, surfactants, adherence promotors, oxidization inhibitors, ultraviolet absorbers, aggregation inhibitors and the like can be compounded to the composition of the present invention.

Specific examples of these additives include fillers such as glasses or alumina; high-molecular weight compounds other than binder resins such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, polyethylene glycol monoalkyl ether, or polyfluoroalkyl acrylate; surfactants such as nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, or anionic surfactants; adhesion promotors such as vinyl trimethoxysilane, vinyl triethoxysilane, vinyl tris(2-methoxyethoxy)silane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-glycidoxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, 2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane, 3-chloropropylmethyldimethoxysilane, 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, or 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane; oxidation inhibitors such as 2,2-thiobis(4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol) or 2,6-di-t-butylphenol; ultraviolet absorbers such as 2-(3-t-butyl-5-methyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole or alcoxybenzophenone; and aggregation inhibitors such as sodium polyacrylate.

Further, when a promotion of an alkali solubility of an unirradiated portion is intended in order to further improve a developability of the composition of the present invention, an organic carboxylic acid, preferably a low-molecular weight organic carboxylic acid having a molecular weight of 1000 or less, can be added to the composition of the present invention. Specific examples of the organic carboxylic acid include aliphatic monocarboxylic acids such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, valeric acid, pivalic acid, caproic acid, diethylacetic acid, enanthic acid, or caprylic acid; aliphatic dicarboxylic acids such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, brasylic acid, methylmalonic acid, dimethylmalonic acid, methylsuccinic acid, tetramethylsuccinic acid, or citraconic acid; aliphatic tricarboxylic acids such as tricarballylic acid, aconitic acid, or camphoronic acid; aromatic monocarboxylic acids such as benzoic acid, toluic acid, cuminic acid, hemellitic acid, or mesitylenic acid; aromatic polycarboxylic acids such as phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, trimellitic acid, trimesic acid, mellophanic acid, or pyromellitic acid; and other carboxylic acids such as phenylacetic acid, hydratropic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, mandelic acid, phenylsuccinic acid, atropic acid, cinnamic acid, methyl cinnamate, benzyl cinnamate, cinnamylidene acetic acid, coumaric acid, or unbellic acid.

The colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention is suitable for forming a colored pixel of a color filter for use with a liquid crystal display device (LCD), a solid image pickup element (such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)) and the like, and is also suitable for manufacturing printing ink, ink-jet ink, paint, or the like.

Color Filter and Manufacturing Method Thereof

A color filter of the present invention will be described along with a production method of the color filter.

In a production method of the color filter of the present invention, the above-mentioned colorant-containing curable composition of the invention is used. The color filter of the present invention is manufactured by using a pyridone azo compound of the present invention which is represented by Formula (I) (including a tautomer thereof) and a solvent of the present invention. In addition, it is preferable that the color filter is manufactured by using the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention.

The color filter of the present invention can be manufactured by coating the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention on a support by using a coating method, such as a spin coating, a casting coating, or a roll coating, to form a radiation-sensitive composition layer, exposing the layer to light through a predetermined mask pattern, and developing the resultant with a developing solution to form a colored pattern (resist pattern) (image formation step). Further, the manufacturing method for the color filter of the present invention may include a process for curing the above-mentioned resist pattern by heating and/or exposing to light, in accordance with necessity.

Preferable examples of the radiation used in this case include ultraviolet rays such as g-ray, h-ray or i-ray.

The image formation step (and if necessary, the curing step) is repeated proper times corresponding to the number of the desired hues to obtain a color filter of desirable number of hues.

Examples of the above-mentioned support include soda glass, PYREX® glass, silica glass, and these to which a transparent electrically conductive film is deposited; a photoelectric transducer substrate such as a silicone substrate, which is used in image pickup elements or the like; a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and the like. Black stripes for optically isolating the respective pixels may be formed on these supports.

Further, in view of improving adherence the substrate to the upper layer, preventing substance diffusion, and/or flattening the substrate surface, an undercoating layer may be provided on the support in accordance with necessity.

Any developing solution can be used as the developing solution involved in the manufacturing method for the color filter of the present invention, provided that it is a composition which dissolves the uncured portions the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention, but do not dissolve cured portions for the filter. Specific examples thereof include-combinations of various organic solvents and alkaline aqueous solutions.

Examples of the above-mentioned organic solvents include the aforementioned solvents which are used in preparing the colorant-containing curable composition of the present invention.

Examples of the alkaline aqueous solution include an alkaline aqueous solution in which an alkaline compound such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, ammonia water, ethylamine, diethylamine, dimethylethanolamine, tetramethylammoniumhydroxide, tetraethylammoniumhydroxide, choline, pyrrole, piperidine or 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-7-undecene is dissolved such that a concentration thereof becomes 0.01 to 10% by mass, preferably 0.01 to 1% by mass. When a developing solution consisting of such an alkaline aqueous solution is used, the color filter is generally cleaned with water after a development.

Further, the color filter of the present invention can be used for solid-state image pickup elements such as a liquid crystal display device or a CCD, and is particularly suited for use with CCDs and CMOSs which have a high resolution of over one million pixels, and the like. The color filter of the present invention can be used, for example, as a color filter to be disposed between the light receiving section of the respective pixels constituting the CCD and condensing microlenses.

EXAMPLES

Hereinafter, the present invention will be more specifically described with examples. However, the present invention is not limited by the following examples, in other words, other forms of the invention may be produced within the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. In the following description, the words “part” and “%” are used based on mass unless otherwise noted.

Synthesis of Pyridone Azo Compound

1. Synthesis of Exemplified Compound (1)

In accordance with the following scheme, synthesis of the pyridone azo compound of the present invention was conducted. The following numbers (1) to (9) in each reaction steps designate compounds (1) to (9) respectively.

Process A: Synthesis of Compound (5)

31.54 g of Compound (2) and 33.93 g of compound (1) shown above were mixed and reacted with stirring at 70° C. for 3 hours so as to obtained compound (3) shown above. Compound (3) was cooled to a room temperature, added with 90 ml of ethanol and 41.80 g of compound (4) shown above, and heated to 45° C. Further, an ethanol solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH: 25.25 g, ethanol: 150 ml) was dropwisely added to the reaction resultant and the mixture was stirred at 85° C. for 6 hours. Then solvents were removed from the reaction resultant. Further, 45 g of hydrochloric acid was added to the reaction resultant, and depositions formed thereby were removed therefrom by filtration. Then 1300 ml of acetone and 250 ml of ethyl acetate were added to the filtrate, and depositions were removed therefrom by filtration. Thus obtained liquid phase was dried by magnesium sulfate, and solvents were removed therefor so as to obtain compound (5) (an obtained amount thereof was 68.23 g, and an yield thereof was 95%).

Process B: Synthesis of Compound (9)

Synthesis of Compound (7)

33.24 g of Compound (6), 75 ml of orthodichlorobenzene, 7.5 ml of distilled water, and 16.72 g of compound (2) shown above were mixed and heated to 45° C. Further, an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate (sodium carbonate: 7.95 g) was dropwisely added to the resultant and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. The resultant was further stirred for 1 hour at 70° C., cooled down to a room temperature, filtrated and washed with water so as to obtain compound (7) shown above (an obtained amount thereof was 41.37 g, and an yield thereof was 95%).

Synthesis of Compound (8)

Then, 27.3 g of reduced iron, 19.5 g of acetic acid, and 58.5 g of water were mixed, and stirred for 1 hour at 80° C., and to the mixture, 22.77 g of the compound (7) obtained in the above-mentioned manner was gradually added. Further, 93.6 ml of ethanol was dropwisely added to the mixture. Then the mixture was stirred for 1 hr at 80° C. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, and after 23.79 g of sodium carbonate being added thereto, 175 ml of methanol was further added, and then the mixture was stirred for 15 minutes. Further, the resulting mixture was celite-filtrated and washed with acetone so as to remove solvents in a liquid phase thereof. The resultant was dissolved in 600 ml of acetone, and insoluble materials therein were removed. Further, the resultant was dried by sodium sulfate and concentrated so as to provide the compound (8) (an obtained amount thereof was about 16 g, and an yield thereof was about 79%).

Preparation of Diazo Solution

Then, 3.12 g of the compound (8), 12.5 ml of 36% hydrochloric acid, and 57 ml of distilled water were mixed, and the mixture was cooled to 0° C. To the mixture, an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite (containing 0.84 g of NaNO₂ and 10 g of water) was dropwisely added while the internal temperature was kept at 5° C. or lower. After completing of the dropwise addition, the mixture was stirred for 3 hr with the temperature being maintained at 5 to 10° C. to obtain a diazo solution.

Synthesis of Compound (9)

The diazo solution was dropwisely added into a solution, which was prepared by mixing 3.3 g of the compound (5) prepared by the process A and 20 g of water and adjusting to pH of 8 by adding a 2 N aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, over a time period of 1 hr at a temperature of 0° C. or below. Then, a 10% aqueous solution of sodium carbonate was dropped into the resulted solution so as to adjust a pH thereof to be in a range of 6 to 7. The obtained mixture was filtered, dissolved in 500 ml of acetone, and celite-filtrated by adding activated carbon and sodium sulfate. Then solvents were removed from the solution, and a resulted solid material was vacuum-dried so as to obtain 3.10 g of the compound (9) (the above-described exemplified compound (1)), which is the aimed pyridone azo compound of the present invention (an yield thereof was 51%).

Structure Verification

The compound (9) (pyridone azo compound) obtained in the above-mentioned manner was analyzed by NMR for structure verification with the following data being given. ¹H-NMR (300 MHz; solvent: dimethyl-d₆ sulfoxyde; standard substance: tetramethylsilane) δ 7.89 ppm (4H, d), 7.75 (1H, t), 4.55 (2H, br.s), 4.05 (2H, t), 3.60 (2H, t), 3.50-3.20 (14H, m), 2.95 (2H, q), 2.55 (3H, s).

Measurement of Maximal Absorption Wavelength, Molar Absorption Coefficient and Half Width

Further, the compound (9) (pyridone azo compound) obtained in the above-mentioned manner was dissolved into methanol so as to prepare a solution having a concentration of approx. 1.0×10⁻⁵ mol/l, and by using a spectrophotometer (trade name: UV-2500PC, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation), measurement of the maximal absorption wavelength (λmax) and molar absorption coefficient (ε), as well as measurement of the full-width at half-maximum were carried out from the shape of wavelength. As a result of this, it was found that, in methanol, λmax=425 nm, ε=41400 (l·mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹) and half width=69.5 nm.

2. Synthesis of Exemplified Compound (34)

Synthesis and measurements of the pyridone azo compound (exemplified compound (34) shown above) were conducted in the same manner as in “1. Synthesis of Exemplified Compound (1)”, except that, in “Process A: Synthesis of Compound (5)”, N-ethylhexylamine was used instead of compound (2). The results are shown below.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, solvent: dimethyl-d₆ sulfoxide, standard: tetramethylsilane) δ=7.95-7.80 (4H, m), 7.70 (1H, t), 4.55 (1H, br.s), 3.75 ppm (2H, t), 3.45 (2H, m), 3.35 (2H, m), 2.95 (2H, q), 2.55 (3H, s), 1.80 (1H, m), 1.25 (8H, m), and 0.85 (6H, m).

In methanol, λ_(max): 426.5 nm, ε: 44980(l·mol⁻¹·cm⁻¹), and half width: 68.5 nm.

3. Synthesis of Exemplified Compound (56)

Synthesis of the pyridone azo compound (exemplified compound (71) shown above) was conducted in the same manner as in “1. Synthesis of Exemplified Compound (1)”, except that methy-4-aminobenzoate was used instead of the compound (2) in “Synthesis of Compound (7)” of “Process B”, and 2-ethyhexylamine was used instead of the compound (2) in “Synthesis of Compound (5)” of “Process A”.

Hydrolysis

Further, 10.00 g of the exemplified compound (71) thus obtained, 500 g of acetone, and 400 g of aqueous solution of 1N sodium hydroxide were mixed and reacted with stirring at 45° C. for 7 hours. The acetone was removed from the resultant, and 2500 ml of water was added to the resultant. Further, a pH of the resultant was adjusted to 3 by dropwisely adding hydrochloric acid thereto and filtrated. Thus obtained solid was washed with water, dissolved in 130 ml of ethyl acetate, and celite-filtrated. Succeedingly, an organic phase thereof was washed with water and solvents were removed therefrom. Thus obtained solid was vacuum-dried so as to provide the exemplified compound (72) (an obtained amount thereof was 9.26 g, and an yield thereof was 95%).

Exchange of Salt

Further, 4.5 g of the exemplified compound (72) was mixed with 480 ml of methanol, dropwisely added with a methanol solution of hydrated strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)₂·8H₂O: 1.06 g, methanol: 22.5 ml) and stirred for 10 minutes. Further, the solvents therein were removed therefrom, and thus obtained solid was vacuum-dried so as to provide 4.47 g of a pyridone azo compound of the present invention (the exemplified compound (56)) (an yield thereof was 92%).

Further, confirmation of structure by NMR and measurement of λ_(max), ε, and half width of the exemplified compound (56) were conducted in the same manner as in “1. Synthesis of Exemplified Compound (1)”.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, solvent: dimethyl-d₆ sulfoxide, standard: tetramethylsilane) δ=7.80 ppm (4H,m), 7.67 (2H, d), 7.18 (2H, d), 3.73 (2H, ddd), 2.50 (3H, s), 1.74 ppm (1H, m), 1.40-1.00 (8H, m), 0.95-0.75 (6H, m)

In tetrahydrofuran, λ_(max): 428.0 m, ε: 80900(l·mol⁻¹·cm⁻¹), and half width: 68.5 nm.

Example 1

1) Preparation of Undercoating Layer Solution

The following components were mixed and dissolved to prepare an undercoating layer solution.

Composition for Undercoating Layer Solution Propyleneglycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) 19.00 parts Ethyl lactate 36.00 parts Cyclohexanone 0.87 parts Binder (PGMEA solution containing 41% 30.51 parts of allylmethacrylate/methacrylic acid copolymer (molar ratio = 65:35)) Dipentaerythritolhexacrilate 12.20 parts Polymerization inhibitor (p-methoxyphenol) 0.0075 parts 2-(o-benzoyloxime)-1-[4-(phenylthio)phenyl]- 0.70 parts 1,2-octanedion (photopolymerization initiator) 2) Preparation of Glass Substrate Having Undercoating Layer

A glass substrate (trade name: CORNING 1737, manufactured by Corning Inc.) was ultrasonically washed with 1% NaOH water, which was then followed by water washing and dehydration baking (for 30 min at 200° C.). Next, the above-mentioned undercoating layer solution 1) was applied to the washed glass substrate to provide a film thickness of 2 μm by means of a spin coater, and heated to be dried for 1 hr at 220° C. for formation of a cured film to obtain a glass substrate having an undercoating layer.

3) Preparation of Dye Resist Solution

The following components were mixed and dissolved to prepare a dye resist solution.

Composition for Dye Resist Solution Cyclohexanone (solvent) 80.00 parts  Dipentaerythritolhexacrilate 5.80 parts Compound I-1 shown below (photopolymerization initiator) 3.30 parts Dye M-1 shown below 7.70 parts Exemplified compound (56) (pyridone azo compound of the invention) 3.30 parts

I-1

M-1 4) Exposure and Development of Colored Resist (Image Formation)

The dye resist solution obtained in the above paragraph 3) was applied to the undercoating layer of the glass substrate having an undercoating layer obtained in the above paragraph 2) to provide a film thickness of 1.0 μm by using a spin coater, and prebaked for 120 sec at 120° C. Next, by using an exposing apparatus, the coated film was irradiated at an amount of exposure of 800 mJ/cm² with a wavelength of 365 nm through a mask having a thickness of 20 μm. After the exposure, the coated film was processed for development under the conditions of 26° C. and 60 sec by using a developing solution (trade name: CD-2000, 100%, manufactured by FUJIFILM Electronic Materials Co., Ltd.) Thereinafter, the coated film was rinsed for 20 sec with running water, which was then followed by spray drying to form an image.

5) Evaluation

1. Image Formation

The image formation was verified in the normal way by using an optical microscope and SEM photographic observation.

2. Developability

The “developability of unexposed areas” and the “percentage of film remaining in exposed areas” were measured with a chromoscope (trade name: MCPD-1000, manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.). The “developability of unexposed areas” refers to the rate of change in absorbance for the film before and after the development, and for a light sensitive negative working composition, the greater the value, the better the developability. Further, the “percentage of film remaining in exposed areas” refers to the ratio of maintained light absorbance for the film before and after development, and for a light sensitive negative working composition, the greater the value, the better. That the above-mentioned developability of the unexposed areas and the above-mentioned percentage of film remaining in the exposed areas are both high values means that pattern formability is good.

3. Heat Resistance

The “heat resistance” was determined by heating the glass substrate coated with a dye resist solution for 1 hr at 200° C. by use of a hot plate in a state which the hot plate contacts with the face of the glass substrate which does not coated with the dye resist solution, and then measuring the change in chromaticity, i.e., the ΔEab value, with a chromoscope (trade name: MCPD-1000, manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.). The smaller the ΔEab value is, the higher the heat resistance is.

4. Light Resistance

The “light resistance” was determined by irradiating the glass substrate coated with a dye resist solution with a Xenon lamp at 200,000 lux for 10 hr (equivalent to 2,000,000 lux·hr), and then measuring the change in chromaticity, i.e., the ΔEab value. The smaller the ΔEab value is, the higher the light resistance is.

5. Molar Absorbance Coefficient (ε) and Color Value

The molar absorbance coefficient (ε) was determined from the absorbance in methanol by using a spectrophotometer (trade name: UV-2500PC, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). As the color value, the value obtained by dividing the molar absorbance coefficient (ε) by the Mw of the dye, i.e., ε/Mw was used.

6. Solubility of Dye Resist

The dye resist solution was kept for one week after preparation of the solution, and was evaluated by visual observation in terms of the presence of deposits and precipitates in the solution. A dye resist solution in which no deposites/precipitates were observed was evaluated as A. A dye resist solution in which deposites/precipitates were observed was evaluated as B. An evaluation as A indicates that the dye resist solution is excellent in solubility and storage stability.

Examples 2 to 7

Images of Examples 2 to 7 were formed in the same manner as in Example 1, and the evaluation for each of them was carried out in the same manner as described above, except that, in the preparation of the dye resist solution as described in 3) in Example 1, the colorant and solvent were substituted by the compounds as shown in Table 1 below. The results are given in Table 1 below.

Examples 8 to 14

Images of Examples 8 to 14 were formed in the same manner as in Example 1 to 7 respectively, except that the glass substrate in Examples 1 to 7 was substituted by a silicone wafer substrate. For the developability of the unexposed area and the percentage of film remaining in the exposed area, the same results as in Examples 1 to 7 were obtained.

Examples 8 to 14 use a silicone wafer substrate, and thus they are different from Examples I to 7 in the substrate used, but since the dye resist solution is coated on the undercoating layer throughout Examples 1 to 14, thus there arises no substantial difference, resulting in the same performances having been obtained.

Example 15

An image of Example 15 was formed in the same manner as in Example 1, and the evaluation was carried out in the same manner as described above, except that, in the preparation of the dye resist solution as described in 3) in Example 1, the photopolymerization initiator was substituted by TAZ-107 (trade name, manufactured by Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.). The results are given in Table 1 below.

Example 16

An image of Example 16 was formed in the same way as in Example 1, and the evaluation was carried out in the same manner as described above, except that, in the preparation of the dye resist solution as described in 3) in Example 1, the photopolymerization initiator was substituted by the same amount of 2-(o-benzoyloxime)-1-[4-(phenylthio)phenyl]-1,2-octanedione. The results are given in Table 1 below.

Example 17

An image of Example 17 was formed in the same way as in Example 1, and the evaluation was carried out in the same manner as described above, except that, in the preparation of the dye resist solution as described in 3) in Example 1, the photopolymerization initiator was substituted by the same amount of 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-4-morpholinobutyrophenone. The results are given in Table 1 below.

Example 18

An image of Example 18 was formed in the same way as in Example 1, and the evaluation was carried out in the same manner as described above, except that, in the preparation of the dye resist solution as described in 3) in Example 1, the composition for the dye resist solution was substituted by the following composition. The results are given in Table 1 below.

Composition for Dye Resist Solution Cyclopentanone 80.00 parts Binder (allylmethacrylate/methacrylic acid copolymer 1.28 parts (molar ratio = 65:35)) Dipentaerythritolhexacrilate 4.4125 parts Polymerization inhibitor (p-methoxyphenol) 0.0075 parts Compound I-1 shown above (photopolymerization 3.30 parts initiator) Dye M-1 shown above 7.70 parts Exemplified compound (56) (pyridone 3.30 parts azo compound of the invention)

Comparative Example 1

An image of Comparative Example 1 was formed in the same manner as in Example 1, and the evaluation was carried out in the same manner as described above, except that cyclohexanone was substituted by the solvent shown in Table 1. The results are given in Table 1 below. TABLE 1 Percentage of film Heat Light ε Developability remaining resistance resistance Solubility (l · of unexposed in exposed ΔEab ΔEab (Storage mol⁻¹ · Colorant Solvent areas(%) areas (%) (200° C./hr) (2M lux · hr) Stability) cm⁻¹) ε/Mw Example 1 Exemplified compound (56): Cyclohexanone 100 100 4.95 4.9 A — — 3.3 parts Dye M-1: 7.7 parts Example 2 Exemplified compound (56): Ethyl lactate 100 100 4.9 4.85 A — — 3.3 parts Dye M-1: 7.7 parts Example 3 Exemplified compound (56): Cyclopentanone 100 100 4.95 4.75 A — — 3.3 parts Dye M-1: 7.7 parts Example 4 Exemplified compound (34): PGME (*1) 100 100 5 4.95 A — — 3.3 parts Dye M-1: 7.7 parts Example 5 Exemplified compound (56): Cyclohexanone 100 99 3.55 3.25 A 80900 67 10 parts Example 6 Exemplified compound (34): Ethyl lactate 100 99 3.65 3.35 A 45000 84 10 parts Example 7 Exemplified compound (34): Cyclo pentanone 100 99 3.55 3.45 A 45000 84 10 parts 75 parts PGMEA (*2) 5 parts Example 15 Exemplified compound (56): Cyclohexanone 100 98 5.35 5.65 A — — 3.3 parts Dye M-1: 7.7 parts Example 16 Exemplified compound (56): Cyclohexanone 100 97 4.55 4.85 A — — 3.3 parts Dye M-1: 7.7 parts Example 17 Exemplified compound (56): Cyclohexanone 100 96 4.2 4.35 A — — 3.3 parts Dye M-1: 7.7 parts Example 18 Exemplified compound (56): Cyclopentanone 100 98 4.15 4.4 A — — 3.3 parts Dye M-1: 7.7 parts Comparative Exemplified compound (56): Ethyl cellosolve 98 94 5.05 5.15 B — — Example 1 3.3 parts Dye M-1: 7.7 parts acetate (*3) (*1): PGME = Propyleneglycol methyl ether (*2): PGMEA = Propyleneglycol methyl ether acetate (*3): Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate

As shown in Table 1, Examples in which the specific solvent and the coloring compound represented by Formula (I) were used exhibited superior heat resistance, light resistance, and color values (ε/Mw). Even when raising the concentration of the dye to an extremely high concentration, excellent solubility and stability over time of the solution were observed in the Examples. Furthermore, the developability of non-exposed areas, and the film remaining ratio of the exposed areas were improved, and good pattern forming ability was exhibited. Particularly, by using the solvent which is environmentally acceptable and very safe in the composition, solubility and stability with time of the liquid can be assured.

On the other hand, in the Comparative Example, in which a solvent selected from cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, propyleneglycol methyl ether, propyleneglycol methyl ether acetate, a lactate ester, diacetone alcohol was not used, showed inferior liquid storability and was not able to satisfy all of the performances as shown in Table 1 at the same time.

According to the present invention, a colorant-containing curable composition can be provided which is excellent in both heat resistance and light resistance, exhibits superior solubility of the colorant to water or solvent, and exhibits excellent stability over time during storage regardless of the concentration of the colorant can be provided. Further, a color filter which is excellent in both heat resistance and light resistance, and has spectral properties for exhibiting excellent hue, and a method for manufacturing the color filter with high productivity (high cost-performance) can be provided.

Herein after, embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[1] A colorant-containing curable composition comprising a colorant and a solvent, wherein the colorant comprises a compound represented by Formula (I) and/or a tautomer thereof, and the solvent comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, propyleneglycol methyl ether, propyleneglycol methyl ether acetate, a lactate ester, and diacetone alcohol:

wherein, in Formula (I): R¹, R³ and R⁴ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 21 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 21 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, or a substituent having a hetero atom; at least one of R¹, R³ and R⁴ represents a substituent having a hetero atom; R³ and R⁴ may be formed into a heterocycle together with a jointly bonded nitrogen atom; and R² represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a methoxymethyl group, or a trifluoromethyl group.

[2] The colorant-containing curable composition of embodiment [1], wherein in Formula (I), R¹ represents a substituent having a hetero atom, and R³ and R⁴ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 21 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 21 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.

[3] The colorant-containing curable composition of embodiment [1], wherein in Formula (I), at least one of R³ and R⁴ represents a substituent having a hetero atom, and R¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 21 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 21 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.

[4] The colorant-containing curable composition of any one of embodiments [1] to [3], further comprising a polymerizable compound.

[5] The colorant-containing curable composition of embodiment [4], wherein the polymerizable compound is a (meth)acrylic ester monomer.

[6] The colorant-containing curable composition of embodiment [4] or [5], wherein the polymerizable compound is a quadrifunctional- or higher functional (meth)acrylic ester monomer.

[7] The colorant-containing curable composition of any one of embodiments [1] to [6], further comprising a binder.

[8] The colorant-containing curable composition of embodiment [7], wherein the binder is an alkali soluble (meth)acrylic resin.

[9] The colorant-containing curable composition of claim [8], wherein the binder is an alkali soluble (meth)acrylic resin having a polymerizable side-chain.

[10] The colorant-containing curable composition of any one of embodiments [1] to [9], further comprising a photopolymerization initiator.

[11] The colorant-containing curable composition of embodiment [10], wherein the photopolymerization initiator is at least one selected from the group consisting of a trihalomethyltriazine compound, a benzyldimethylketal compound, an α-hydroxyketone compound, an α-aminoketone compound, a phosphine oxide compound, a metallocene compound, an oxime compound, a triaryl imidazole dimer, a benzothiazole compound, a benzophenone compound, an acetophenone compound and its derivative, a cyclopentadien-benzene-ferrous complex and its salt, a halomethyloxadiazole compound, and a 3-aryl-substituted coumarin compound.

[12] The colorant-containing curable composition of embodiment [10] or [11], wherein the photopolymerization initiator comprises a compound which does not generate an acid by decomposition.

[13] The colorant-containing curable composition of embodiment [12], wherein he photopolymerization initiator is selected from the group consisting of an α-aminoketone compound, a phosphine oxide compound, a metallocene compound, an oxime compound, and a triaryl imidazole dimer.

[14] The colorant-containing curable composition of any one of embodiments [1] to [13], further comprising a crosslinking agent.

[15] The colorant-containing curable composition of any one of embodiments [1] to [9], which is a positive working colorant-containing curable composition further comprising a photo sensitizer.

[16] The colorant-containing curable composition of embodiment [15], wherein the photo sensitizer is o-benzoquinonediazide sulfonic acid ester or o-naphthoquinonediazide sulfonic acid ester.

[17] The colorant-containing curable composition of embodiment [15] or [16], further comprising a curing agent.

[18] The colorant-containing curable composition of any one of embodiments [1] to [9], which is a negative working colorant-containing curable composition further comprising a photo-acid generator and a curing agent.

[19] A color filter manufactured by using the colorant-containing curable composition of any one of embodiments [1] to [18].

[20] A method for manufacturing a color filter comprising: coating the colorant-containing curable composition of any one of embodiments [1] to [18] onto a support to form a layer; exposing the layer through a mask; and developing the layer so as to form a pattern. 

1. A colorant-containing curable composition comprising a colorant and a solvent, wherein the colorant comprises a compound represented by Formula (I) and/or a tautomer thereof, and the solvent comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, propyleneglycol methyl ether, propyleneglycol methyl ether acetate, a lactate ester, and diacetone alcohol:

wherein, in Formula (I): R¹, R³ and R⁴ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 21 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 21 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, or a substituent having a hetero atom; at least one of R¹, R³ and R⁴ represents a substituent having a hetero atom; R³ and R⁴ may be formed into a heterocycle together with a jointly bonded nitrogen atom; and R² represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a methoxymethyl group, or a trifluoromethyl group.
 2. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 1, wherein in Formula (I), R¹ represents a substituent having a hetero atom, and R³ and R⁴ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 21 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 21 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.
 3. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 1, wherein in Formula (I), at least one of R³ and R⁴ represents a substituent having a hetero atom, and R¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 21 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 21 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.
 4. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 1, further comprising a polymerizable compound.
 5. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 4, wherein the polymerizable compound is a (meth)acrylic ester monomer.
 6. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 4, wherein the polymerizable compound is a quadrifunctional- or higher functional (meth)acrylic ester monomer.
 7. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 1, further comprising a binder.
 8. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 7, wherein the binder is an alkali soluble (meth)acrylic resin.
 9. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 8, wherein the binder is an alkali soluble (meth)acrylic resin having a polymerizable side-chain.
 10. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 1, further comprising a photopolymerization initiator.
 11. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 10, wherein the photopolymerization initiator comprises a compound which does not generate an acid by decomposition.
 12. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 11, wherein the photopolymerization initiator is selected from the group consisting of an α-aminoketone compound, a phosphine oxide compound, a metallocene compound, an oxime compound, and a triaryl imidazole dimer.
 13. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 1, further comprising a crosslinking agent.
 14. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 1, which is a positive working colorant-containing curable composition further comprising a photo sensitizer.
 15. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 14, wherein the photo sensitizer is o-benzoquinonediazide sulfonic acid ester or o-naphthoquinonediazide sulfonic acid ester.
 16. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 14, further comprising a curing agent.
 17. The colorant-containing curable composition of claim 1, which is a negative working colorant-containing curable composition further comprising a photo-acid generator and a curing agent.
 18. A color filter manufactured by using the colorant-containing curable composition of claim
 1. 19. A method for manufacturing a color filter comprising: coating the colorant-containing curable composition of claim 1 onto a support to form a layer; exposing the layer through a mask; and developing the layer to form a pattern. 